Pacers of Lahore Qalandars, Dilbar Hussain and Jalat Khan, have high hopes for the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In an interview amid the ongoing training session of Qalandars in Lahore, Jalat said: "I have benefited a lot because of captain Shaheen Afridi. He always tells all the players, including the fast bowlers, to just think of bowling in the right area. His words give a lot of confidence because he sports us very much."
The left-armer said he belongs to a backward area, Layyah, and reached this stage by playing tape ball cricket.
"Aqib Javed and other coaches helped me a lot. I never thought that I would play alongside Shaheen Afridi and he will teach me," he added.
Jalat said that if captain Shaheen trusts him in the PSL, he will fulfill his expectations.
The fast bowler said that Shaheen is his favorite player, and while it is his dream to take the wicket of Babar Azam, he wants to fulfill this dream.
"Babar Azam is the number one batsman. I have not planned against him. But taking his wicket is a dream," he said.
Meanwhile, Dilbar Hussain claimed that the defending champions have worked hard in the camp and had the opportunity to get to know each other and bond well.
"The hard work done before the PSL will definitely pay off during the event," Dilbar said. "Last year, I was suffering from fitness problems, so I could not play cricket for one year. Now that I am fully fit, I will try to do well for my team."
He said all he needs to do is play on behalf of Qalandars and win for the team.
"It is an honor to play for Pakistan. I also want to get this honor. I wish to play for Pakistan one day and take Virat Kohli's wicket," he added.
The opening ceremony of PSL 8 will be held in Multan on February 13 prior to the tournament opener between 2021 winners Multan Sultans and defending champions Lahore Qalandars; meanwhile the closing ceremony and final will be played on March 19 in Lahore, which will also host play-offs.
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.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.