PSL 2018: Babar Azam excited to play with Shahid Afridi, Imad Wasim

Young Pakistani batsman Babar Azam has emerged as a top player in the national side over the last couple of seasons. He is being tipped as the next big thing in the Pakistan cricket. Currently, the youngster is with the Karachi Kings setup, preparing for the 2018 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He was a key player in the tournament last year as well.

At the Karachi camp, Babar Azam will share the dressing room with veteran Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi. Commenting on this, Azam expressed his excitement at the prospect. As per the quotes in brecorder, Azam revealed that he has never played alongside Shahid Afridi.

“It will be a great experience to play with him. I have never played with him before and I am hoping to have a lot of fun playing alongside [Afridi],” Babar Azam quoted.

Also, at the Kings’ camp, Azam will be led by Imad Wasim. Babar Azam believes that Imad will be a very successful as the captain of the team. He noted that Imad had done a commendable job as the captain of the national side at the under 19 level.

“I have played under his captaincy in regional games and we are playing together for quite some time now, so it will be fun playing under him. He is mentally very strong, he was also impressive as Pakistan U-19 captain in World Cup 2007,” Azam noted.

On the coaching staff

Commenting on the coaching staff of the Karachi Kings, Azam affirmed that Mickey Arthur will do well in the role. Azam cited that Arthur has been doing a great job for the Pakistani national side, and hence, the Karachi franchise will benefit the same way as the national side.

“Mickey Arthur is doing a great job for the last couple of years for Pakistan, he will do the same for Karachi Kings and will formulate game plans for the team in PSL as he does for the national side,” said the 23-year old.

On Pakistan hosting matches

Babar Azam further conceded that the entire Karachi Kings bunch is excited about the fact that the finals of PSL 2018 will be played in Karachi. He remarked that this is serving as a major motivation for their team in the tournament.

“We are motivated by the fact that the final of PSL is scheduled in Karachi. We are confident that we will play the final of the tournament in Karachi,” conceded Babar Azam.

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