Sarfraz Ahmed says PSL matches in Pakistan will create next generation of stars

Waseem Ahmed 20:09 26/02/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Sarfraz feels that having matches in Pakistan is only a good thing.

    Sarfaz Ahmed has hailed the positive impact of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on the national team. The Pakistan and Quetta Gladiators skipper believes that the premier T20 competition can be a pathway for future stars to the national team.

    Speaking to the Express Tribune, Sarfraz said: “The players who aren’t in the team are able to experience something very close to an international match.”

    “They are sharing dressing rooms with the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Kevin Pietersen and Misbah-ul-Haq, so of course they will learn a lot from it. It’s very important for the players to take advantage of the opportunity. If you perform in the PSL then you have a very good chance of being selected for the national side, as we have seen with the likes of Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali and Rumman Raees,” he added.

    The 30-year old also touched upon the impact the playoffs and final – scheduled to be held in Pakistan – will have on the country.

    “When youngsters watch their heroes play, not only will they want to pursue cricket as a career but they will also learn a lot. This will create stars,” he said.

    The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy winning captain said Pakistan’s temporary ‘home’ in the UAE is a world away from the packed houses back in the country.

    The likes of Shadab Khan broke into the limelight thought the PSL.

    The likes of Shadab Khan came into limelight thought PSL.

    “You can see that the country’s interest in cricket has dwindled in the last decade. You can say the UAE is like a home to us but in reality it isn’t. There is absolutely nothing like the support your home crowd gives you. That really motivates the players and they are able to perform at their best level in front of such crowds,” Sarfaz stated.

    Sarfraz’s Quetta Gladiators reached the final in the first two editions but ended up on the losing side on both occasions.

    They will be looking to go one better this time but Sarfraz is not thinking too far ahead.

    “Well our first goal is to reach the play-offs. For now that is the most important bit,” he added.

    Recommended