Daily Times

New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson targets a role in leading Lahore Qalandars to the elusive Pakistan Super League title and believes the league provides youngsters a good chance of learning and maturing. The 28-year-old, who has played 13 Tests, 49 ODIs and 31 T20Is for New Zealand, hopes to deliver for Lahore, who finished fifth and last in the first two editions and sixth and last in 2018. “The aim is to win the PSL for Lahore and that’s the number-one goal and other than that is to do something for the team,” said Anderson. “If I play rest of the games, hopefully, I can do something and win games for us. But if not, I am on the sidelines, I could do whatever I could to help out and get us to that ultimate goal of winning. “Its great to be here and I am really enjoying so far and hoping it continues.”

Anderson said he enjoys being a part of the PSL. “It’s been fantastic. Obviously, we want more wins. Everyone is welcoming coming into the group. It’s nice to play with some players against whom I have played at international level and then rub shoulders with guys like AB, its fantastic.” reckoned the level of competition is high in the PSL.

“PSL of a very high level,” said Anderson. “The Pakistan guys are at high level and its a fantastic competition. The level of the overseas guys is also high as I have said, then there is AB! To have all these players in the camp it becomes a quality competition.” Asked about the contribution, PSL is making in helping youngsters groom, Anderson replied: “It’s massive, I know when I was starting it was the evolution of the IPL (2008). For young guys to go through the system of T20 cricket is great. To train with the great players and then play cricket with them is quality you want.”

Despite having played international cricket, Anderson believes Twenty20 leagues like PSL are rewarding and a learning process for even players like him. “It’s great and to play with extremely high level players is massive. It’s been a great opportunity to just be in the environment, learn and train in different facilities and fast track things and to train with young players is massive. “You can see some young talent on show, the likes of Haris Rauf (Lahore’s newest pace sensation) who has come through leaps and bounds. Had seen him last year in the PSL and obviously been involved with them this year and seen him how he is progressing, it’s fantastic.”

Published in Daily Times, March 1^st 2019.