Wasim, Malik hailed for key role in Multan’s success

SHARJAH: When newcomers Multan Sultans unveiled their squad for HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), two men stood out.

Wasim Akram as team’s director and Shoaib Malik as captain gave Multan fans great hope because of their vast experience as the Sultans became the sixth franchise to join PSL.The duo haven’t disappointed.

With Wasim Akram in the dugout and Malik in the field, the Sultans have done well on debut and after playing their first five matches are sharing the top spot on the points table with Karachi. Both have 7 points apiece though Karachi were yet to play their fifth game of the contest.

On Saturday, the Sultans blew away Quetta Gladiators with two players — Sohail Tanvir and Kumar Sangakkara doing most of the damage.After the game, Sohail credited Wasim for his success in PSL.

“Wasim bhai’s motivation and guidance helped me a lot today to perform well,” the left-arm pacer said after picking the man-of-the-match award for his three-wicket haul against Quetta.“I spoke to Wasim bhai today before the match against Quetta Gladiators because he has played a lot in Sharjah and has a great experience,” he said.

“We all still need some guidance at some point in our careers. We feel lucky to have Wasim bhai around. We are three left-arm fast bowlers here and we always get to learn from Wasim Akram,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara hailed Malik for his great captaincy.“It’s about teamwork, it’s about staying relaxed and enjoying the cricket that we play,” said Sangakkara, who has been great form since the start of PSL 3.

“Shoaib Malik has been great as a leader because he is very relaxed, very laid back and never puts pressure on the guys but expects us just to do the job that we are supposed to do. And the management has been spot on in the arrangements and the preparations,” he said.