Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has urged budding players of Pakistan Super League (PSL) to showcase exceptional talent in order to make a breakthrough into international cricket.
The league provides an incredible platform to young players, said the skipper.
“Everyone is watching the PSL so I hope these young players with exceptional talent will take this opportunity to showcase their talent and perform,” said Safaraz after his team beat Peshawar Zalmi by six wickets in their opening match on Friday.
He added, “The selection committee and management will surely consider if any exceptional talent is spotted during the HBL PSL who can be picked for the national team. So it’s up to these young players to work hard and hard and break into the national team."
The skipper went on to say: “We always welcome a talented player in Pakistan team.”
Sarfaraz also lauded the return-to-form innings of Umar Akmal whose 50-ball 75 not out spiced with seven boundaries and three sixes helped Quetta overhaul Peshawar’s modest 156-run target.
“Umar is a talented player and he can always do well for his team. If he continues to play like this, I’m sure he will soon make a comeback,” he said.
Meanwhile, coach Mickey Arthur has also asked fringe players who lost their spots in the national team to prove their mettle in PSL as the selectors and team management will soon be finalising squads for the home ODi series against Australia, followed by the tour to England for five-ODIs and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
In the past, the PSL has always opened doors to international cricket for young players, such as Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Sohail Akhtar, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Agha to name a few.