Wasim Akram names the most impressive player of PSL 3

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has emerged as a new front for the country to nurture its local talent and has tasted tremendous success in the recent past. New and young players being duly recognised and honed for future prospects in the national side has reaped Pakistan a lot of benefits. Veteran Pakistan speedster, Wasim Akram recently shared his thoughts on the talent pool of the ongoing edition of the PSL. The tournament, which began on February 22, is on its last leg now as the final is scheduled to be played on March 25 (Sunday).

When it comes to spotting and grooming raw cricketing talent, very few have as keen an eye as Akram. The 51-year old himself is involved out and out with the tournament as the Team Director of the Multan Sultans. The previous season of the PSL had seen him hold the same position for the Islamabad United franchise. In a recent interview, Akram expressed his dissatisfaction with the batting talent in PSL 3 and revealed his picks of the season.

Wasim Akram names his picks from PSL 3

As quoted by Business Recorder, Akram has been dissatisfied with the batting set in the ongoing tournament. The only positive that the ‘Sultan of Swing’ discovered is Hussain Talat, who has been playing for Islamabad United. “He is definitely the find of this year. After seeing his attitude and fitness I can say that my guy is Hussain Talat,” commented Akram. The left-handed batsman has played 11 matches and scored 194 runs at an average of 38.80.

As for the bowling department, Akram had two major names to mention; Mohammad Sami and Rahat Ali. Voicing his admiration for both the bowlers, he said, “Rahat is a different bowler. I do not know what Sami eats for breakfast but he is as fit as any young player in the PSL. If he continues to bowl well, he should be selected for the T20 format.”

37-year old, Sami has scalped 12 wickets in 10 matches an average of 21.66 for the Islamabad side, with best figures of 3/21. On the other hand, left-arm seamer Rahat Ali has played 10 matches for the Quetta Gladiators and picked up 11 wickets at an average of 27.81. The latter’s best figures have been 2/29.

Akram also elucidated on the new young sensation, Shaheen Shah Afridi. The 17-year old has been in the limelight ever since his exceptional performance in the U19 World Cup. He’s been a part of Lahore Qalandars and has had a decent tournament, with seven wickets to his name in seven matches. Commending him on his performance, Wasim Akram said, “Shaheen had one spell against Multan Sultans. He has potential.”

Shaheen has also generated considerable buzz in foreign T20 leagues, with Big Bash League (BBL) franchises expressing an interest in him.

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