HBL PSL helped Pak cricket immeasurably: Morrison

DUBAI: Former New Zealand fast bowler Danny Morrison, one of the most lively and respected voices in cricket, believes HBL Pakistan Super League has helped Pakistan immeasurably, throwing and maturing talent to the hilt.

The 53-year-old, a regular part of commentary teams to all parts of the cricketing world, including the HBL PSL, singled-out Shadab Khan as a player who has matured from the Pakistan league. Morrison, who played 48 Tests and 96 ODIs, said HBL PSL has been helpful for Pakistan cricket.

“There are a lot of discussions with the Pakistan players on how you need to improve the pitch standards, got to get a better structure and all cost money and then you are playing away from home, but with all that PSL has helped and thrown talent.

Morrison praised the development of Shadab, Pakistan’s leg-spinner who is now captaining Islamabad United after regular skipper Mohammad Sami got injured.“Then guys like Musa Khan making his debut, he is very exciting,” said Morrison of the Islamabad United newest pace sensation. “Babar (Azam) bursting onto the scene and his skills with the white ball have developed in the PSL.” Babar is the world’s number-one ranked batsman which has synchronised with the HBL PSL.

Morrison praised the standards of play in the HBL PSL.“I missed the first one,” said Morrison of the first edition in 2016. “I love this part of the world and have a lot of Pakistani fans. There is a great standard of the game and it’s attracting big names. I think there is a great standard of cricket. I am looking forward to coming back to Pakistan.

“I was there in October 2017 for the Sri Lanka Twenty20.” Morrison recalls the 1990 tour of New Zealand to Pakistan.“I was there in 1990. It was a tough gig, it was a young side as Martin Crowe had taken over from John Wright and few senior pros did not come. It was a changing of guards with Richard Hadlee just finished in England and we were up against a very good Pakistan attack so we were run-over.