Quetta Gladiators Head Coach Moin Khan has heaped praise on captain Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the eight edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Khan hoped that Ahmed will once again lead the way with his captaincy skills and good form with the bat in PSL 8, which begin on February 13 in Multan.
“Sarfaraz Ahmed has made an outstanding contribution to Quetta Gladiators. He has performed as an individual and captain of the team. He is a determined and hardworking cricketer and knows how to make a comeback. He is a street-smart cricketer and knows how to lead the side, which is reflected by Quetta Gladiators’ impressive win percentage across all seven seasons,” Khan told PCB Digital on Friday.
“We will see a more buoyant Sarfaraz in action as he would be looking to carry forward the momentum of his impressive performance after bagging the award for player of the series against New Zealand,” he added.
Khan also shed light on Gladiators’ team combination and philosophy as a coach.
“We will have a close look at the conditions and try to develop a consensus when we sit together to form our playing XI. We even involve our owners as they are the most concerned because they are financing the whole franchise,” he said.
“I want my team to play fearless cricket, because that is the demand of this format and you would stay under pressure if you don’t play that way. Also, clarity is of utmost importance,” he added.
The 51-year-old also stated that the PSL is one of the best leagues in the world while highlighting its impact on Pakistan cricket.
“PSL has emerged as a big brand [since its inception in 2016]. There were doubts about its impact on our cricket when it was being launched, but the PSL has taken the graph of Pakistan cricket to new levels. And, it is not only restricted to the game development, but also from a business perceptive. Since the PSL is followed worldwide, many brands have connected with the tournament,” he said.
“It has produced many cricketers for Pakistan who have done well in this format and created an impact. International cricketers also want to play the PSL, because of its competitive nature.
“This league can be compared with any league around the world, because of the pitches, conditions, the quality of the opposition and players, and I feel the PSL has improved the graph of Pakistan cricket.”