DUBAI: Pakistan’s former T20i captain and opening batsman of PSL team Peshawar Zalmi is enjoying every moment of the second edition of Pakistan Super League and aiming for lifting the trophy this season.
Talking exclusively to the newsmen in Dubai on Monday, Hafeez said that PSL has emerged as a solid brand and it started off this year on a very high note, this momentum should continue to improve.
“We shouldn’t compare PSL with IPL, PSL is a strong brand and it has taken off with an exemplary way, Hafeez said when asked if PSL is doing same for Pakistan as what IPL did for India Cricket.
“I am excited about the second season of Pakistan Super League. PSL season one ended on a high note last season and has started this season with high excitement and same high note. Teams are more mature and well prepared from before and everyone is excited about the event,†he said.
The 36-year old opening batsman said that the second season of Pakistan Super League has provided, so far, exciting matches and even the low scoring matches have ended up as exciting encounters.
“The matches played in PSL so far have provided great entertainment to the crowds. It took off strongly and I am sure the excitement would grow with time,†he said.
He was full of praise for his captain, Darren Sammy of West Indies, for his attitude which keeps the dressing room environment lively and away from tensions. And, according to Hafeez, enjoying every bit of the game helps everyone improve the performance.
“He belongs to Caribbean, enjoyment is the main part of his cricket environment and he’s trying to bring that environment in our team as well. He doesn’t want any of us to get tensed, he wants us to stay relaxed every time, Hafeez said when asked how Darren Sammy is as a captain in the dressing room .
“Dressing room environment is very good, calm and relaxed. Sammy’s character is playing an important role in this, we know that he loves to enjoy every moment. And as a team we don’t want to stay away from the enjoyment factor, because it helps us improve us our performance,†he added.
The former captain has already got his eyes on future talent being produced in Pakistan Super League, saying that just like last year, this year too, Pakistan will get more new faces with prospects of being superstars of future.
“At the moment, there are limited players and limited teams, so there are limited chances for new players, yet they are emerging. Last year we got some new faces, this year we have got Abrar of Karachi, Irfan of Lahore,†said Hafeez who will play his 200th T20 game on Friday.
“The rule of must selection of an emerging player in final XI is helping Pakistan cricket, and it will continue to help Pakistan Cricket,†he said.
Hafeez is also worried about his personal batting form, he has scored just three runs in three innings of PSL this season, including two ducks. The all-rounder says that he is worried about his batting worries.
“I missed opportunities in last three games, I played bad shots,†he agreed.
“Whatever the conditions are, it shouldn’t be an excuse and a player is supposed to perform. I am worried and concerned about my batting form. I am working hard and spending maximum time on nets. My bowling is going good but I want to improve my batting and I am hoping for an improved performance in the second phase of PSL in Sharjah,†he aimed.
Hafeez now has his eyes set on winning the final of Pakistan Super League.
“We want to keep the momentum going, we want to win every match to finish on the top. We want to play the final, and if happens in Lahore then it would be the greatest thing for Pakistan Cricket,†he said.
