LAHORE: Emerging pacer Ubaid Shah, who is part of Islamabad United in Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) season nine, is eyeing to dismiss top batter Babar Azam during the competition.
While talking to the media after his first practice session with the United, the 18-year-old said that he is excited about this new challenge.
Shah brothers — Naseem Shah, Hunain Shah, and Ubaid — are all part of the Islamabad United. Ubaid stressed that he is excited about the prospect of bowling with Naseem, who is also his favourite bowler.
"I enjoyed bowling with Naseem today where he told me about bowling in T20 as per the conditions," he said.
"It has benefited me and I will try to perform well for United as much as possible," he added.
Ubaid has a goal to accomplish — to dismiss Babar in the tournament. "The batting quality in PSL is great and I will strive to dismiss top batters, including Babar Azam," he said.
Ubaid appreciated the environment of the side under new head coach Mike Hesson and captain Shadab Khan.
"The team environment is such that no one is taking any pressure. There is no pressure on me as coaches and Naseem have given me a lot of confidence," he maintained.
Meanwhile, Ubaid revealed that all three brothers are aiming to represent the country together.
"We [brothers] contribute to the bowling and the desire is that all three brothers represent the country. I am working hard and am ready for any opportunity to play for Pakistan in any format," he added.
On the other hand, Ubaid is pleased with his U19 World Cup performance recently where he finished as the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan (18 wickets) in South Africa.
Remember, PSL 9 will be held in four cities — Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi — with the final of the event taking place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18.
Like the previous edition, the PSL 9 will take place in two legs with Multan Cricket Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting 14 matches between them from February 17 to 27. The action then moves to Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, where 16 matches will be held from February 28 to March 12. The event will then move to Karachi in its entirety for the playoffs.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.- Babar Azam