West Indies batting great Sir Viv Richards is likely to return as mentor of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Quetta Gladiators.
Richards has been part of the side since the inaugural edition of the league in 2016.
“We have applied for Sir Viv Richards’ visa but there are some issues with process. However, we have filed all the necessary documents and are hopeful that he will join the side soon,” said team manager Azam Khan.
‘Sir Viv Richards is also eager to join the squad,” he added.
Richards is considered one of the greatest batters of all time due to his flamboyant style. He played in 121 Tests and 187 ODIs for West Indies over the course of his illustrious career, which included more than 15,000 runs. He notched up 24 hundreds in Tests and 11 in ODI cricket.
Quetta are placed at fifth position on the points table with just one win in three games. Their next match is against defending champions Lahore Qalandars, today (Tuesday) in Karachi.
The Sarfaraz Ahmed-led unit lost their opening match against Multan Sultans but bounced back to register victory against Karachi Kings in their next game. However, they once again suffered defeat in their third match of PSL 8 against Peshawar Zalmi on Monday.
It must be noted that the closing ceremony and final of PSL 8 will be played on March 19 in Lahore, which will also host play-offs.
The winner will not only lift the Supernova Trophy but will also collect a cheque of Rs120m, while the runners-up will receive a cheque of Rs48m.
Lahore Qalandars will attempt to become the first side to win back-to-back titles; meanwhile Islamabad United will aim to become the most successful side by lifting the trophy thrice.
Rawalpindi will stage 11 fixtures, Karachi and Lahore will host nine matches each, whereas Multan will have five home games.
Squad
Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Jason Roy, Mohammad Hasnain, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Naveen ul Haq, Umar Akmal, Will Smeed, Naseem Shah, Odean Smith, Mohammad Hafeez, Umaid Asif, Muhammad Zahid, Abdul Bangalzai, Aimal Khan, Martin Guptill, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qais Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Dwaine Pretorius (partial replacement for Odean Smith), Will Jacks (partial replacement for Jason Roy), Nuwan Thushara (partial replacement for Naveen ul Haq)
Jaffar Hussain