Pakistan Super League’s 7th edition is around the corner with the players, management, and fans around the world gearing up for the mega event. The stakes and expectations are high for the tournament, which is scheduled to be held from January 27 to February 27. The preparations are complete and it’s time to shine. Here’s a list of players from each side who can help their team conquer the crown.
1-Babar Azam (Karachi Kings)
There is no better player to watch at the moment than the number one T20 batsman in the world. Babar Azam is synonymous with consistency and class. The stylish batsman has been stacking up runs, making him the all-time top scorer in PSL’s history. Recently, he was named the captain of the ICC T20i team of the year. He is also going to lead his franchise team for the first time in his career. Karachi kings would be relying heavily on their skipper to fire if they want to make it to the playoffs.
The King and his men are ready to shine at the #HBLPSL7. Just 7 days to go!
Are you excited to see your favourite team in action? #LevelHai pic.twitter.com/L648GqXSsQ
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) January 20, 2022
2- Muhammad Rizwan & Shahnawaz Dahani (Multan Sultans)
Muhammad Rizwan has been making records for fun for the past twelve months. His blistering form with the bat earned him a nomination in the ‘ICC T20i player of the year 2021’ category. His 2021 track record advocates his candidacy for the prestigious award. He was the second-highest scorer in PSL 6 with 500 runs in 12 innings at the strike rate of 127.87. He will be hoping to clinch that first spot this time around from his national team captain.
Muhammad Rizwan was on fire this year 🔥. Sharing some exciting records set by the champion in T20I in 2021. He knocked up 1326 runs to secure his place as one of the top run-scorers in T20I this year.#harhaalmaincricket pic.twitter.com/8XOmZBaS9W
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 17, 2021
Shahnawaz Dahani is one of the most exciting prospects of Pakistan cricket. The young pacer from Larkana was the leading wicket-taker in PSL 6 with 20 dismissals from just 11 innings. His performances in PSL 6 and the domestic cups earned him a slot in the national side. In a very short career, Dahani has already earned a huge fan following.
The story of Shahnawaz Dahani is a story of resilience, confidence and faith in a dream.
Aur jab qismat badlay to tayyari poori honi chahiye na?
Dahani ka #LevelHai 👌🏼
(𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔) #HBLPSL7 l @ShahnawazDahani pic.twitter.com/uIbrofFnC5
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) January 19, 2022
3- Muhammad Waseem Jr (Islamabad United)
Muhammad Waseem Jr is a hot favorite among fans of toe-crushing yorkers. The emerging fast bowling all-rounder is the player to watch in the star-studded Islamabad side. He was the leading wicket-taker for Islamabad in PSL6 with 12 wickets in 11 innings at an economy rate of 8.40. He was the leading wicket-taker against the west indies with 8 wickets. Islamabad’s fans will be hoping to see their young gun have a cracking tournament.
This Mohammad Wasim yorker 🔥
(via @TheRealPCB) pic.twitter.com/aTeX8HKsFE
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 13, 2021
4-Haider Ali (Peshawar Zalmi)
The find of PSL5 has finally found consistency in his game over the last few months. After making the highest score (54 of 33) in a T20I debut for any Pakistani, his career was going nowhere with inconsistent performances. Zalmi fans and team management will be expecting their star boy to rise to the occasion. The last year’s runners-up have a well-balanced side of experience and youth. If Haider Ali gets going this time around, they surely have a strong claim at the title.
5- Jason Roy (Quetta Gladiators)
The South African-born English opener is one the most destructive batsman in white-ball cricket. He has scored 1,316 runs at a handsome strike rate of 144.9 in T20Is. He has the flare, the technique, and the experience to demolish any bowling attack in the world. Quetta Gladiators, after two consecutive disappointing campaigns, will be betting a lot on their platinum category player to score runs and play some match-winning knocks.
Jason Roy "Pakistan cricket offers unique & exciting stuff & the PSL is no different. They have some of the most passionate fans & it's extremely heartening to experience this passion. I've had brief but memorable stints at the PSL & it's great to be back in the pool" #HBLPSL
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) November 13, 2019
6- Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars)
No Pakistani bowler has taken more wickets in international cricket than Shaheen Shah Afridi in 2021. The young prodigy who came up the ranks from the under-19 side has already matured into a world-class bowler. Now that he can swing the white ball both ways, he is as deadly as ever. Qalandar’s team management has high hopes for the pacer as he has been given the added responsibility of leading the side. Can he lead his side to victories by taking crucial wickets and timely decision-making? The form is there and the stage is set. It’s the time to shine for Afridi.
Shaheen Afridi is hopeful to lead his team toward success.#PSL7 #PSL2022 #ShaheenAfridi pic.twitter.com/YY2pwxWbTb
— Cricket Coder (@cricket_coder) January 18, 2022
