Sami says Islamabad can defend HBL PSL title

KARACHI: Discarded Test pacer and Islamabad United captain Mohammad Sami says that his team can defend the title of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which has entered the final phase here at the National Stadium.

“There is no pressure on us. The excitement is there. We are the defending champions and if we played two or three more good matches then we can defend the title,” Sami told reporters here on Tuesday. “We will make our best effort to defend the crown,” he added.

He said that the inclusion of England’s star batsman Alex Hales would add to the batting strength of his side. “He is a world-class batsman and his inclusion will add to the batting strength. It will be great,” said the 38-year-old Sami.

Hales, the England opener, will be available for Islamabad United when they meet Karachi Kings in the eliminator on Thursday (tomorrow). When asked if they would feel pressure because of crowd support for Karachi Kings, Sami responded:

“Karachi crowd from the start has supported that team which plays better cricket. Definitely the players of Karachi are supported here but we will be trying to put in our hundred percent,” he said.

“Definitely there will be pressure when we play against Karachi Kings in front of Karachi supporters. But you can also take it as a positive because in our team besides me Rumman Raees is also playing. But the sort of excitement you see here, particularly among foreign players, is fantastic,” Sami said.

When asked about his selection chances in Pakistan’s team the right-arm pacer said his whole focus was on the PSL. “My focus is on PSL. Whether my name comes in Pakistan team or not it is not my job. I never get disappointed. I just focus on my game,” he said.

He said that the emerging young fast bowlers would add to the bowling future of Pakistan team.“It’s a good sign for Pakistan that it is getting pacers at a young age. A team is formed of both juniors and seniors. I think it’s good for Pakistan that young pacers are coming and together with experienced fast bowlers they will safeguard Pakistan’s future,” he said.

Islamabad won the first and the third editions of the country’s lucrative league.

Peshawar Zalmi won the second edition.