Chinese players join Peshawar Zalmi

SHARJAH: China has made big inroads in Pakistan thanks to its ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative.On Thursday it made a small entry in Pakistan cricket when two members of the Chinese national cricket team joined Peshawar Zalmi, the defending Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions, in Dubai.

Jian Li and Yufie Zhang are in Dubai on a special invitation extended by Javed Afridi, who owns the Zalmi franchise. During their stay in the UAE, the duo will train with Peshawar Zalmi, who are presently trying to put their campaign to defend the PSL crown on track.

The Chinese players were welcomed by the Zalmi players and officials. Younis Khan, the former Pakistan captain who is currently working as Zalmi’s mentor, presented then with Peshawar Zalmi T-shirts.

The Chinese cricketers were over the moon and later said that it was a memorable experience for them as Younis Khan is their idol.Javed Afridi, meanwhile, hoped that his initiative will help in reinforcing the bond between Pakistan and China.

“A new breakthrough in cricket. Two Chinese cricketers will be with the Peshawar Zalmi squad from today. This step will go a long way in facilitating aspiring cricketers in China and in reinforcing the bond between the two nations. #HBLPSL,” Javed Afridi commented in a tweet.