PSL 8: “Babar is a world-class player and he is every Pakistanis favourite” says Shaheen

PSL 8: “Babar is a world-class player and he is every Pakistanis favourite” says Shaheen

Web Desk
February 25, 2023

PSL 8: “Babar is a world-class player and he is every Pakistanis favourite” says Shaheen

Shaheen Shah Afridi has spoken out about playing Babar Azam.
Lahore will play Peshawar in opening game of Lahore leg.
Shaheen said: “Babar is a world-class player”.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, the captain of Lahore Qalandars, has spoken out about playing Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam on Sunday in the ongoing eighth season of the Pakistan Premier League (PSL).

At the renowned Gaddafi Stadium, the Shaheen-led Lahore will play Peshawar in the opening game of the Lahore leg.

In a press conference on Saturday, Shaheen said: “Babar is a world-class player and he is every Pakistanis favourite. I have previously said that I enjoy bowling to him in the nets. Babar and Rizwan are the players whom I enjoy bowling to, but it’s a challenge too. It’s not easy. Even coaches are giving an example of Babar’s cover drive while teaching. Of course, we will plan for him and do well.”

“As a player and a captain, I will try to give my team an early breakthrough. This is what I try to do, not only in franchise cricket but in the Pakistan team too. You will get to see a good competition,” he added.

The pacer downplayed concerns related to Lahore Qalandars‘ batting lineup.

“I think in the last match, we scored 190+, but I don’t think we are weak in that department. Of course, it’s cricket, you have to improve a lot of things. We have played only three matches and trying to improve our performance. There are some newcomers to PSL, while some are emerging players so it’s not easy to face the world-class bowlers. So everything comes with time,” he said.

In PSL 7, Abdullah Shafique was a crucial member of the Qalandars’ team, but he has not yet appeared in PSL 8.

“I personally like him [Abdullah Shafique]. He is the second classy batter after Babar Azam. He wasn’t feeling well due to flu but he is feeling better now and batting in the nets. Our opening partnership is doing well, we will look at our combination before making a decision [about his inclusion in the squad],” he said.

The Punjab government declined to waive the Rs. 500 million payment, so the matches of the Lahore leg would probably be moved to Karachi. Also, the PCB and the PSL teams have chosen not to pay the invoice.

So, there is a good likelihood that Karachi will host the fixtures.

“It’s the decision of the PCB. But tomorrow we have a match so the fans will enjoy it,” he stated.

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