Top PSL 9 performers to be picked for training camp by PCB

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Friday decided that the top performers of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 would secure a berth in the training and fitness camp ahead of the New Zealand tour.

The decision was taken by a meeting of the PCB officials presided by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi at the PCB headquarters in Lahore. The forum mulled over names of players to be selected for the camp.

The forum was attended by Chief Selector Wahab Riaz, PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer, the director international cricket and other authorities.

New Zealand team is set to visit Pakistan in April for a five-match T20I series, starting on April 18, ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup that begins in June.

The PCB chief directed to select players on the basis of merit and their performances. Naqvi said even his own recommendation should not be accepted in the selection of players for the camp.

“The players selected on merit and performance have the ability to produce good results,” he said in the meeting that reviewed selection of players for the training camp.

The chief selector submitted a report about the bowlers and batters who gave stellar performances during the recently concluded season of the league.

After Islamabad United won the PSL season by beating Multan Sultans on March 18, Muhammad Irfan Khan was named 'Emerging Player of the Tournament', Saim Ayub 'All-Rounder of the Tournament', Muhammad Irfan Khan 'Fielder of the Tournament', Azam Khan 'Wicketkeeper of the Tournament', Usama Mir 'Bowler of the Tournament', Usman Khan 'Batter of the Tournament' and Shadab Khan 'Player of the Tournament'.

Shadab was also praised for his brilliance in captaincy, whereas Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam was hailed for his consistency throughout the league.