Javed reveals reason behind Qalandars’ change in fortunes

His side will feature in the qualifier of PSL 8 today (Wednesday)

By Web Desk
March 15, 2023
Javed has been Qalandars' coach since the first season of PSL — PCB

Lahore Qalandars’ Head Coach Aaqib Javed has revealed the reason behind his side’s change in fortunes in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The Qalandars finished at the bottom of the points table during the first four seasons of the event but the tide has turned in their favour over the last three years.

Javed believes that a shift in approach from a batting to a bowling-friendly team has helped the team find its feet in Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.

“What do we produce the best? Bowlers, right? I acted with the kind of bowlers we produce, to use that as leverage. This wasn't built overnight. We made it and I am extremely proud to form this attack,” Javed told ESPNcricinfo.

“In T20 thinking, you get wickets from the new ball and we have Shaheen, who is the best in the world and at the end, you have to defend the total. You need a death bowler and nobody is better than Haris Rauf. From two seasons, the way Zaman merged into this pack as a death bowler and even with the new ball, this composition is the best in the world. Then, in the middle overs, you have the privilege of Rashid Khan and the kind of impact he brings to any side. This season, a masterstroke gift we found from the draft was Sikandar Raza. You look at our journey from Hafeez to Sikandar - isn't it one of the best moves? It is.

“David [Wiese] - people don't rate him much, they think of him as a retired cricketer who used to play for South Africa and possibly a bowler they think they can use his overs as an opportunity. But it's an illusion. He has the highest number of five-wicket hauls in T20 cricket in the world. People look at him as a soft target and want to attack him, but he is very smart and uses variations depending on the situation.

“So, we say, if you want to win, come compete with us; but then you have to hit six bowlers at ten an over. If you manage to hit 40 each off Shaheen, Rashid, Haris, David, Zaman and Sikandar then you deserve to win. If any two bowlers go under 30 and others over [30] then the maximum you can get is 160 or 170.”

It must be noted that the Qalandars, who finished at the top of the points table, will face Multan Sultans in the qualifier of PSL 8 today (Wednesday) with the winner booking a spot in the final of the event. 

Comments