Youngsters keen to do well in Abu Dhabi leg of PSL

Apart from a massive revenue-generating tournament, the biggest positive from all the T20 leagues across the globe is that they serve as a platform for the young local cricketers to showcase their skills on a grand stage. Over the years, Pakistan's prestigious PSL is doing the same. Players like Hasan Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Haider Ali came into the limelight after staggering performances in the PSL.

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The sixth edition of the PSL has also introduced several new faces who are keen to prove their worth. Mohammad Haris, who was roped in by Karachi Kings after an impressive performance in the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2020, is a player for the future. 

 “I am absolutely thrilled to join the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 defending champions. Karachi Kings is a big franchise with some of the biggest names in the game and to rub shoulders with them will be nothing short of a dream coming true for me.

“If given an opportunity I would aim to play my natural game and back my skills that helped me at the U19 level and for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the last domestic season. I have worked really hard on my batting, wicketkeeping and overall fitness in recent months and I hope that I make all of that count when I take the field for my team in Abu Dhabi,” said Haris

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Another player to watch out for will be Lahore Qalandars' Ahmed Danyal. The right-arm pacer played four matches for Lahore Qalandars, picking up two wickets.

“The Lahore Qalandars management reposed their trust and confidence in me which has made my introduction to the HBL Pakistan Super League a memorable one. T20 is a tough format for any bowler but if you have belief in your skills and can make your execution correct you have good chances of success.

“During the Karachi-leg, I wanted to show my potential to Pakistan cricket fans and justify my selection. During the last month or so, I have worked hard on various aspects of my game. For the Abu Dhabi-leg my aim is to continue my progress and deliver the role assigned to me. We had a good run in Karachi and if we continue in the same manner, we can surely make history and lift the trophy for the first time,” added Danyal

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Then there is Peshawar Zalmi's Mohammad Imran. Like Danyal, Imran made his PSL debut in the sixth edition and played all five games for his side, picking up three wickets at an economy rate of 7.05.

“This is my first season of the HBL Pakistan Super League. I really enjoyed the Karachi-leg especially since I was given a big responsibility of bowling at various stages of the 20 overs by the team management. My aim was to keep things simple and make runs scoring tough for the batters.

“The Abu Dhabi-leg would be another big challenge but I am very keen on continuing my progress and learn more about bowling in the format and make significant contributions for my team. I have felt very welcomed in the Zalmi camp and it has been a phenomenal experience for me so far which I want to make even more memorable in the upcoming games,” revealed Mohammad Imran

Also read: PCB bars Naseem Shah from PSL 6 for violating COVID-19 protocols - Sky247 Blog

Quetta Gladiators' Saim Ayub made his T20 debut in the current edition and played all five games. While he is yet to make a mark, he is keen to do well in the Abu Dhabi leg of the tournament.

“The opportunity to open the innings for Gladiators in the Karachi-leg was a hugely exciting one for me. At the start of the tournament I found the big stage a bit challenging but the team management gave me a lot of confidence and encouragement. I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey with the Gladiators so far and it was a great privilege to share the crease with T20 stars like Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis.

“The partnership with Usman gave me a lot of confidence as we were able to set-up the platform for our first win of the season. Now in the Abu Dhabi-leg I would want to utilise the experience I gained in Karachi and ensure that I contribute to the team’s cause. We have a lot of work to do there but we have the depth and pedigree in our squad to make a big comeback and stake a claim for a playoff spot,” said Ayub

Multan Sultans’ Sohaibullah was roped in after an impressive run in the National T20 Cup where he took five wickets at an average of 28 for Central Punjab. It was his economic rate of 7.78 which stood out as he denied batsmen opportunities to score freely.

Sohaibullah – Multan Sultans: “I got the opportunity of playing Sultans’ opening game of the season, I really enjoyed the challenge of bowling to Islamabad United’s world-class batting line-up. Although I didn’t play any further part in the Karachi-leg, I am as prepared as ever to showcase my talent and ability.

“We had a bit of a struggle in Karachi but we are more than capable of making a strong comeback in Abu Dhabi. As an opening bowler, I know I have a tough role to perform in the T20 format, but that is the kind of challenge I enjoy. I would give my 100 per cent whenever I get the opportunity to play in Abu Dhabi, I have the confidence in my skills of delivering as per my captain and coach’s plan,” reckoned Sohaibullah

Islamabad United’s Zeeshan Zameer hasn't played a game for his franchise but is hopeful to break into the side in Abu Dhabi. 

“Being part of the Islamabad United is a huge honour for me, I really enjoyed my time in Karachi as senior bowlers in the side gave me constant guidance and support. I have practiced really hard on my skills in the last month or so following the Pakistan U19 team camp in Lahore.

“I really enjoy bowling fast and taking on the batters in the T2o format. My aim would be to make a big impression when I get the opportunity to wear the United kit in Abu Dhabi. The HBL Pakistan Super League is a fantastic platform for young players from all around the country and we have seen some real talent emerge from the tournament. Our team did very well in Karachi and we have a real chance of qualifying for the playoffs and eventually winning the trophy for the third time,” added Zameer.

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