DUBAI: Australian all-rounder Shane Watson said Wednesday that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was an incredible opportunity for the country’s young cricket talent to bump up their game by playing against and sharing the dressing room with top-calibre players. Having moved from Islamabad United to Quetta Gladiators for the PSL’s third season, the famed cricketer said that the series was as good as any other league being played in around the world. “The quality and the calibre of overseas players are available here but also that of the local Pakistan players. There are not so many weaknesses in any team. Be it the fast bowlers, there’s a lot of fast bowlers in Pakistan and quality spinners and powerful batsmen. It’s tough cricket, which is a good thing for the players playing and also for the viewers back home, watching in Pakistan,” the 36-year-old said while talking about the standard of the PSL.
When asked about the difference between his previous and current PSL franchises, he said: “All franchises are gonna be different, but it’s quite fun to be part of Quetta. It’s a really good franchise … lot of really good people here in Quetta. Obviously, I had a lot of fun in Islamabad, but it’s another change and I’m really excited to be part of it.” The Australian all-rounder added that he was enjoying his time with Gladiators and planned to help them achieve victory this time around. “That’s the plan; we start every tournament to win the tournament,” he said, expressing his hopes for a good result for the Gladiators this season. “The competition in the PSL is very tough and it’s a great experience for young Pakistan cricketers,” added the veteran sportsman, who has played 59 Test matches, 190 one-day internationals (ODIs), and 58 twenty20 internationals (T20Is).
Published in Daily Times, March 1st 2018.