PSL 2018: Islamabad United overseas star agrees to travel to Pakistan for the playoffs

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is heading towards the business end as a majority of the league matches have already been played. Almost all the teams are still in contention for the four playoffs spots up for grabs. An exciting part about the PSL this time is that the playoffs will be hosted in Pakistan.

A lot of foreign players didn’t travel to the country last time when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hosted the final in Lahore. But a lot has changed since as the PCB hosted the World XI series and a T20I against Sri Lanka. Most players have agreed to play the qualifiers in Lahore and the final in Karachi. Among those is New Zealander Luke Ronchi.

The Islamabad United opener recently said that he is willing to play the matches in Pakistan provided his team qualifies for the next round of the league. The qualifiers are scheduled to be played on March 20 and 21 in Lahore while the final is slated for March 25.

Skill level is really good

Ronchi who was the star of United’s win against Lahore Qalandars with his 77-run knock was asked if he would be travelling with the team in case they make it through. The kind of talent that is on display in the competition has also impressed him and he termed the PSL a brilliant tournament.

“The skill level [of the players] is really good. There are guys you’ve never even heard of, and they come in and bowl at 140kph, or they whack the ball miles. It’s been a brilliant tournament so far,” the36-year-old said.

Glad to be around Misbah

He was full of praises for captain Misbah-ul-Haq and was in awe of the former Pakistan skipper’s calmness which in his view flows for him. “Being around Misbah is good. The calmness flows [from him],” Ronchi added.

He has been in great form this season having scored two half centuries in his last two outings. Talking about his mindset, the former Kiwi cricketer said, “I’m just trying to keep a clear mind. Nice and relaxed. That’s when your natural abilities show. Any negative thoughts, and your performance goes down.”

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