Sarfraz eyes title for Balochistan
dubai – Sarfraz Ahmed wants to win the Pakistan Super League title for terror-affected Balochistan. The Quetta Gladiators captain hopes to give the province a gift so that the people have something to celebrate amidst strife.
While talking to Khaleej Times during his visit to Sport 2000 at the Arabian Centre on Tuesday, Sarfraz said: “Quetta reached the final in previous two editions of the PSL but failed to cross the final hurdle. First we will try to qualify for the play-offs and then think of reaching the final. The team is confident of winning the title this time for the people of Balochistan.
“The security situation has improved tremendously in Balochistan and Sadiq Sanjrani was elected Chairman of Senate (upper house) on Monday. We want to give another good news to people of the region by winning the title on March 25.
“If we win, it will be a great news for the less developed area of Pakistan and the owners of Quetta Gladiators have left no stone unturned to make it happen.”
Sarfraz hails from Karachi but has no soft corner for Karachi Kings and is ready to beat them if both the teams face each other in the final.
“I am from Karachi and I have played all my cricket in the city. Since I am representing Quetta, there is no question of divided loyalties. My priority will be to win for Quetta and I hope God will help us this time.”
Twenty20 leagues around the world have provided a platform to the emerging players and the PSL is no exception. The earlier two editions have produced the likes of Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz.
“It (T20 leagues) is the best thing to happen for the young cricketers around the world. The players like Hasan Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi (the under 19 players) are sharing the dressing rooms with the legends like Kevin Pietersen, Brendon McCullum and Kumar Sangakkara. This experience will do a world of good for the emerging players.
“I can’t give you the names of few youngsters until the tournament is over. I am sure Pakistan Cricket Board officials are keeping an eye on the performances of the young players. Their performances will help them to reach another level.”
Last year, Quetta failed to convince their foreign players to travel to Pakistan for the PSL title clash in Lahore and. On the other hand Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi was able to persuade his players to visit Pakistan and play the final against Quetta at Gaddafi Stadium. It hurt Quetta’s cause and they lost the final against Peshawar Zalmi.
“Unavailability of our top players in the last year final proved a big hurdle. It was players’ decision and the management was helpless. The same could happen this year as well. I have no idea how the team officials could convince players to go to Pakistan. We can face the similar situation if we reach the knock-out stage of the tournament.”
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com