PSL 2019: Shoaib Malik has a welcome message for AB de Villiers

The man himself confirmed his availability in the tournament on Friday.

Published - 08 Sept 2018, 13:23 IST | Updated - 08 Sept 2018, 13:23 IST

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Ever since the South African superstar AB de Villiers has called it a day from international cricket, the T20 franchises have lined up to sign him. Shortly after it was confirmed that he will continue to play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), De Villiers himself posted a video about him playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) next year which made his fans ecstatic. However, the veteran Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik has also welcomed him to the tournament and is eager to play with or against him in the tournament.

There are reports that De Villiers will play for Lahore Qalandars who have historically struggled in the tournament. Even in the last season, they couldn’t qualify for the playoffs with the likes of Brendon McCullum of leading the franchise. It is also being reported that he will be leading them in the upcoming season but nothing is officially confirmed yet.

Malik’s welcome message

It is no wonder that AB de Villiers’ return to the field has excited and as of now, PSL 2019 will mark his comeback. it is also possible that he plays the Big Bash League (BBL) in the meantime. He posted a video on his official Twitter handle stating that he will be playing the tournament next year. Even De Villiers was excited to debut in the T20 league and termed PSL to be one of the best leagues in the world.

Shoaib Malik, however, was delighted with the news and sent him a warm welcome message in his reply which read, “Welcome AB.” Even Shahid Afridi had welcomed him the other day and it remains to be seen if the 34-year-old will travel to Pakistan to play the knockout phase of the tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to stage more matches of the competition in the country next year and it will be interesting to see if De Villiers agrees to play.