KARACHI: Shai Hope, the recently-appointed ODI captain of West Indies cricket team, is hopeful of sharing experiences and knowledge during his maiden Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.
The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter was picked by Lahore Qalandars for the ongoing PSL 8.
In an interview with Geo News, Hope said that he is glad, that for a change, he is behind the stumps and not in front of them while facing a bowler like Shaheen Shah Afridi — who is the captain of the Lahore Qalandars.
“It's nice to be behind the stump this time, instead of being in front of it [against Shaheen]. I always embrace the challenge whenever I face these guys, but it's nice to be in the same dressing room with them. They really have some fire behind them. So, it's great to be playing together with them,” he said.
“It’s just nice to be here involved with the whole PSL first and foremost. But yeah, it's a great match to start my PSL career. And hopefully we can continue as a team,” he said about his first match with Lahore Qalandars in which his side defeated Multan by one run.
Hope added that he is thankful to Lahore Qalandars for give him the opportunity to play in PSL.
“It is just about learning from the better T20 players around the world trying to improve my game and develop as best as I can,” he said about his aims.
“I just want to be the best Shai Hope that I can be and develop my game in whatever areas I can. It is also about sharing your experience and knowledge and trying to pull everyone along with you. So, the key is to enjoy the experience and then share it with someone else,” the West Indian cricketer said.
Talking about Lahore Qalandars’ dugout environment, the Barbados-born cricketer said that it is 10 out of 10 for him.
“Hopefully we can continue as a team, get some more wins and continue this momentum,” he mentioned.
Replying to a question, Hope said that he has only played in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) so he cannot really comment on the other leagues as compared to PSL but he has always heard great things about the Pakistan Super League.
“Hearing from my other teammates, my colleagues back in Barbados and around the West Indies, who have played in PSL, they all talk about the quality of cricket that's here. I think the standard is very high. You guys set a very high standard here in Pakistan,” he said.
Hope, just a day after his involvement in Lahore Qalandars’ win against Multan Sultans, was named captain of West Indian ODI side.
Speaking about his new role, the 29-year-old said that he is ready to embrace the challenge.
“I think we need to take responsibility as players. We've been playing for quite some time. Having a captaincy hat now is just about transferring that knowledge that I've had over the years, giving my teammates the confidence and the encouragement to go out there and perform at their best,” he said.
“It is the start of a new journey, and hopefully I can do the best and make sure West Indies cricket is proud,” he concluded.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.