Sohail decides to bat for hapless bowlers

ISLAMABAD: Quetta Gladiators’ experienced pace bowler Sohail Khan has decided to bat for hapless bowlers, saying that it is becoming increasingly difficult for the bowlers to cope with situations in T20 cricket.

“T20 is fast becoming a batsmen game. Every rule and every facility is being extended to the batsmen with bowlers hardly getting a respite.” He added that since T20 cricket is more about power hitting, boundaries are kept smaller.

“Smaller boundaries, dead pitches and fast outfields make it a batsmen’s format. That day is not far away when you would see bowlers bowling without spikes to make it even comfortable for the batsmen. I think boundaries should not be less than 70 yards.”

Sohail praised juniors especially Khawaja Nafay and other youngsters who broke into the Pakistan Super League (PSL) just recently. “PSL is all about giving exposure to youth. Some new names are coming up which is good news for Pakistan cricket. These youngsters are good and have a big future ahead of them.” Sohail remembers getting AB de Villiers wicket during the 2015 World Cup. “At that time he was at his best. Picking him is still the best moment for me in Test cricket. I still remember that moment. At that time AV was unstoppable.”

Sohail called for taking the PSL to Peshawar. “From next season onward PSL matches should also be played in Peshawar which is Zalmi’s home ground. The KPK cricket fans should be given the taste of PSL matches in their backyard. It will further help in improving cricket standards in the province.”