Veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi has credited the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for changing the outlook of the national team in limited-overs cricket.
Afridi, who is turning out for Multan Sultans in the ongoing fourth edition, believes the impact of the PSL on Pakistan cricket as a whole has been tremendous.
“I think from the first year in 2016 to the fourth year, the PSL has become our brand and our identity. It is our respect. Whatever the talent is there in the Pakistan team – mostly in Twenty20s and ODIs – have been groomed in the PSL,” the veteran told PSL’s official website.
Since its inaugural edition in 2016, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has played a significant role in discovering young talent for the national team with the likes of Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi being some of the biggest examples.
38-year-old Afridi is under no doubt that the ongoing edition of the league will throw up a few more future Pakistan stars.
“The leagues around the world are doing that purpose of finding talented players and then polishing their skills. So far, so good, I would say for the PSL and since talent is coming to the fore I can say that the PSL is successful,” Multan’s star man said.
The #HBLPSL is our brand, we have to make it successful: @SAfridiOfficialhttps://t.co/KSw9Hf2GZe
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 19, 2019
“I can see three to four players who can come and break into the national team from this year’s PSL. It’s the start so let them show more skills in tougher matches and before bigger crowds, so I could see how they do in that, then only I would be able to tell the names,” he added.
Having played in multiple T20 franchise leagues around the globe, Afridi is under no doubt that the PSL has the best quality when it comes to the bowling department.
“I think every league has its standard but overall when I speak to the players from Bangladesh, England and Australia they say that the bowling in the PSL is the best and challenging,” the former Pakistan international stated.
“At this age, I wait for the PSL more than any other league.”
Afridi and Multan Sultans will be in action once again on Wednesday in the PSL when they take on Quetta Gladiators at Sharjah. The all-rounder was in great form in Multan’s recent win over Islamabad United with figures of 2-18 with the ball and an unbeaten match-winning cameo of 16 with the bat.
