Fresh talent top priority, says Zalmi’s owner

DUBAI: Peshawar Zalmi’s owner Javed Afridi is planning to give his franchise a look of youth in the coming years, saying search for fresh talent would be his top priority.

In an exclusive chat with ‘The News’, Afridi said school-going Ibtisam Sheikh’s inclusion in his team was just a part of his future plan.“Ibtisam’s inclusion in the team is part of his long term plan and that is to include teenagers in the team. Though we are defending champions, we are not hesitant to include fresh blood even in playing line-up.”

Peshawar Zalmi’s owner added that including Ibtisam in the playing XI was a big risk as the teenager had never been a part of big time cricket. “Only we can take such a big risk and we have done that and would continue doing so in future also. My plan is to make the Zalmi as a team of teenagers. If the big portion of our team comprises youth that would mean we have achieved our target.”

Afridi also lauded Umaid Asif, saying that the otherwise neglected talent of Pakistan cricket turned out to be an instant success for Zalmi. “He was a real talent but never remained part of the PSL. He was a performer and showed his class in the very first match of his career for Zalmi.”

He also hoped that Zalmi’s performance in days to come would get even better. “I strongly believe that big steps always help you achieve big goals. I hope and believe that fresh looking Zalmi team in days to come would give even better performance. We are defending champions and have performed outstandingly in the first two editions. We would continue to perform to the satisfaction of our huge following.”

Zalmi so far got off to a slow mediocre start by losing two out of three matches which by no mean is a true picture of their team reputation and standard. “It is just a start and you would see the team improving by each passing day.”

To a question about Shahid Afridi’s decision to leave Zalmi for good, he said it was his decision and he was free to take such decisions.“Look we are champions and if any player leaves it means he is leaving a champion team.

“We would continue to be champions till the time 3rd edition ends. You never know we would go on to repeat that performance.”He wished Shahid Afridi best of luck and cleared that he had no blood relation with him.“He is not my relative as has been the general impression. He was part of Zalmi and now he is part of Karachi Kings.”Afridi has also planned year-long activities for Zalmi in 2018.