PSL is ours, we have to make it successful: Afridi

DUBAI: Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has said PSL is Pakistan’s brand and it is the responsibility of the local stars to make it successful.

The evergreen Afridi is one of the most sought after cricketers in the PSL as people come to watch him hit sixes. The PSL in its fourth year has become a top brand and is placed among the top of the leagues around the world, said Afridi.

“I think from the first year in 2016 to the fourth year, the PSL has become our brand and our identity,” said Afridi. “Whatever talent is there in the Pakistan team — mostly in Twenty20s and ODIs — has been groomed in the PSL.”

Having retired in 2016 from all international cricket, Afridi has continued to play T20 around the world. Fresh from guiding Comilla Victorians to the title in the Bangladesh Premier League, Afridi is now playing for Multan Sultans after featuring for Peshawar Zalmi in the first two editions of the PSL and then representing Karachi Kings in the third.

Afridi urged fans to come and watch PSL in big numbers. “I want crowds to come in big numbers and PCB must also chalk out some plans to bring more and more people to the PSL matches,” said Afridi. “This is our league, we have to make this successful by coming to the grounds.

“It would be a big support to the league. It’s a big entertainment for the people, so I request people to come in big numbers. I am sure matches in Karachi and Lahore will be full-houses,” said the former Pakistan captain.

Afridi said the fourth edition of the league would give the world three or four new stars. “I can see three to four players who can come and break into the national team from this year’s PSL,” said Afridi. “But it’s just the start, let them show more skills in tougher matches and before bigger crowds.”