PSL 2019: 5 Pakistan cricketers who could be playing the tournament for the last time

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2019 could be the last one for some of the veteran cricketers. There are certain demands of the game if you’ve got to participate in T20s as a player. Fitness, agility are some of the essentials of the format and are important for survival.

But, with age not on their side and diminishing abilities, a few of the players are nowhere near to what they were at their best. They are clearly past their prime and do not fit into the modern day scenarios really well. Therefore, it is difficult to see them continuing in the PSL after this season and could bid goodbye to the league right at the end of this season.

Here are five players who could be playing their last PSL:

Misbah-ul-Haq

Misbah-ul-Haq is a veteran of 159 T20 games and has possibly played in every kind of situation. However, the former Pakistan skipper is currently 44 years old. Even though he is doing well in first-class cricket, it is tough for him to fit into the norms of T20 cricket at this point in his career.

Misbah is no more a powerful striker of the ball and might even end up as a burden for the team at times. He only managed to score 57 runs in 8 games last season. The right-hander will be more of a mentor for the Peshawar Zalmi team than an important player in the setup.

Mohammad Hafeez

Mohammad Hafeez recently announced retirement from the longest format of the game. Having made a comeback into the national team after a while, Hafeez’s focus would be on the World Cup 2019. He sure is on the right track to feature in the mega-event but might not extend his career post the tournament.

The 38-year-old will possibly call it time on his career sooner rather than later. He’d be looking to end his career when he is still amongst the runs rather than having a forced exit. Thus, this season where he’ll be leading the Lahore Qalandars could be his last.

Shahid Afridi

The unpredictable Shahid Afridi will represent the Multan Sultans in this edition of the PSL. Even though he has been playing a few T20 leagues around the world, Afridi is not at his best. His hitting abilities have waned significantly and oppositions have figured out ways to dismiss him cheaply.

Even though he continues to be a useful asset with the ball, expecting him to continue for another year is tough. This PSL season is most likely to be his last one. Hence, the veteran all-rounder will want to play with the best of his ability and end on a high.

Kamran Akmal

The 37-year-old Kamran Akmal has been out of contention for the national team since 2017. His consistency with the bat is the biggest issue as he fails terribly on a trot after one exceptional knock. Moreover, his wicket-keeping skills are also not regarded as highly.

This makes a serious case for him to announce his retirement soon. Even if he wants to continue, the Peshawar Zalmi cricketer might find no bidders until he performs exceptionally well this season as he did in the last edition. Therefore, the Lahore batsman might be playing his last PSL this year.

Aizaz Cheema

The skiddy fast bowler Aizaz Cheema made it into the international arena quite late in his career. He only debuted for Pakistan when he was 31 as a reward to his brilliant domestic performances. Even though he had a bright start to his career, Cheema’s form saw a dip in 2012.

The pacer wasn’t able to pick wickets as frequently and was eventually dropped from the team in the same year. Since then, he hasn’t been able to make it into the team again. At 39 years of age, the selectors surely would think twice if they are to pick him in the national team and the PSL 2019 might be his last resort.

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