Pakistan Super League 2017 starts today and excitements are at its peak. After a star-studded opening ceremony match between Peshawar Zalmi between defending champions is scheduled today at Dubai. This year PSL management added few attractions for top performers, Like Green and Maroon caps for Best Batsman & Bowler during tournament. PSL chairman Najam sethi is also very much confident to organize final at Lahore.
Pakistan Super League 2017 has very exciting matches lined-up. But why not dive into teams and find out what resources and players they have for this edition.
Lahore Qalandars – Brendon McCullum(Captain)
One of the weakest side of last year’s edition, but this year scenes are different. They changed their captain and few players in their squad. Which might turn the table into their favor. Ex-Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum will lead the side. This year they will have services of premier T20 bowler Sohail Tanveer, who is exceptional with his wrong footed bowling style and variations. Apart from Tanveer and McCullum they have a true combination of spin, and fast bowlers like Yasir Shah, Sunil Narine, Franklin, Elliott. Jason Roy, Delport, Azhar Ali and rest can assure their batting department. This year they have amazing support staff, likes of Aqib Javed and Mudassar Nazar.
Karachi Kings – Kumar Sangakkara(Captain)
Karachi Kings isn’t the same squad, who played in previous edition. Many changes but effective ones, they have now a very much strong team. Mix of experience and young blood. Last year they were unable to perform according to their capabilities but this year, they are looking forward to take the challenge. Sangakkara will lead the side, Gayle, Malik, Ravi Bopara, Jayawardene and other players are the serious threat to any team in PSL-2. Keiron Pollard, Shazaib Hassan, Khurram Manzoor, Imad Wasim, and Babar Azam tells the story, how much they have a strong batting side. Also Muhammad Amir, and experienced Kashif Bhatti (left arm spin) can bowl out opposition.
Peshawar Zalmi – Darren Sammy(Captain)
They are my favorites to win this year’s PSL. This year they have added some quality players like Eoin Morgan, Dilshan, Chris Jordan and more importantly Marlon Samuels. It makes them a very strong batting, bowling and fielding unit. One of the strong point is that Sammy will lead them, world knew about his capability of leading the side to become champions. He is true fighter and team man, which will make Zalmi an unbeatable side. Shahid Afridi will play as a normal player this year after handing over the captaincy role to Sammy. Time will tell whether it a wise decision or not. They are playing today against Islamabad United.
Quetta Gladiators – Sarfaraz Ahmed(Captain)
If a team has Sir Vivian Richards, Moin Khan in Dug-Out what they more required to boost their spirits. Last year they had a dream start and played an extra-ordinary cricket but finished second. This they and their management urged not to repeat same mistake as they did in last year’s final. This year they aim high and willing to win PSL-2. Experience of Kevin Pieterson and aggression of Ahmed Shahzad and Luke Wright will help them to set highest totals. Though they will miss Mohammad Nabi(who finished few matches for them and bold some extra-ordinary spell with his off-spin). But they are well poised ahead of PSL-2. Rilee Rossouw is a fantastic addition to their ranks. late inclusion of Mehmudullah Riyad may help them, because he did well for Khulna Titans in Bangladesh Premier League. Also pace from Tymal Mills and Umar Gul can change their team into a winning combination. They are well equipped with spin bowling attack as they have Mohammad Nawaz, Zulfiqar Babar. Gladiators also have all-rounders Anwar Ali and Thisara Perera can be brutal at death overs and they both can bat and bowl during death overs.
Islamabad United – Misbah Ul Haq(Captain)
Champions of first PSL are ready to defend their title. They will only miss Andre Russell, however they added another strong fast bowler in their squad, Finn. Misbah Ul Haq had a very tough time during past 6 months, but he is ready to take PSL as a challenge. It is also a different format though, but it will be a challenge for him to remain up to the mark. They have a very strong support staff to facilitate them, Wasim Akram, Dean Jones, and rest.
This year they will be putting money on their many stars, Sharjeel Khan, Brad Haddin, shane Watson, Sam Billings and Ben Dukkett (making PSL debut). A wonderful bowling attack they have experienced samuel Badree and Saeed Ajmal to bowl spin, and Irfan, Muhammad Sami and Finn to bowl fast. I don’t want to forget young Rumman Raees, who performed exceptionally well in last years’ edition.
That’s it from my side to say about these five teams, now its their job to perform well on the field. PSL fans are eagerly waiting for Ali Zafar to sing ( Phir Seeti Bajegi —- Ab Khel Jamay Ga), also Shahzad Roy will sing official HBLPSL song, don’t forget to watch Mr. Sheggy (bombastic) performance in opening ceremony.
Yes more importantly match between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United (You can Discuss Here).
If you want to find more about schedule click here.
