SHARJAH - The 34-year-old Watson, who has scored 175 runs in five games for United and bowled some crucial overs, says the PSL will do wonders for Pakistan cricket. — Photo courtesy PSL
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is widely seen as an opportunity for young local players to mix with and draw on the experience of top international stars.
But Islamabad United's stand-in captain, Australia's Shane Watson is drawing some lessons of his own from a former Pakistan great. Wasim Akram, the Director of Cricket at the Islamabad franchise, is the man who is providing Watson with some valuable insight on 'cricket and life'.
“To be able to get to know Wasim Akram (has been great),” Watson says in an interview with Cricket Australia's website in an interview. “I played against him really early in my career in one-day cricket, so to be able to spend more time with him, get to know him and talk to him about and cricket and about life, I’ve been very fortunate.”
The 34-year-old Watson, who has scored 175 runs in five games for United and bowled some crucial overs, says the PSL will do wonders for Pakistan cricket.
“The PSL is an awesome thing for Pakistan cricket. To be able to get an exposure for younger cricketers playing against world-class players is an awesome thing for Pakistan cricket’s development.”
He has already tipped United teammate Rumman Raees, a left-arm paceman just like Akram, as one for the future. Raees was picked in Pakistan's World T20 squad on the back of some good performances in the PSL. “Our left-arm quick Rumman has been incredible in the couple of games we’ve played. He’s been very skilful and for a young man, he knows his game very well. He understands the game, understands Twenty20 cricket and knows how to get himself out of trouble in an over. He’s the one who’s really stood out to me, he’s been incredibly impressive in the games he’s played.”
M Nawaz, an all-rounder who bowls slow left-arm spin, is the other find of the PSL and if Watson's words are anything to go by, there will be plenty more stars that come to the fore at the end of the tournament.