ISLAMABAD - Former Pakistan Test opener and batting coach of Multan Sultans Muhammad Wasim has said that either the team win or lose, it doesn’t matter as it has already won so many hearts.
In an interview with The Nation, Wasim said: “Consistent performances are highly difficult, as all the teams are also trying to carry on the momentum, but the way Sultans played in all the matches, despite the fact that we did lose a few matches but only Karachi Kings match was one-sided while in all other matches, we played superb cricket and lost closely and that too after playing our hearts out.
“I feel it is tough schedule for the players as well. Playing cricket on daily basis takes its toll, anyhow, there is a lot to play for Sultans and we will try to give our more than 100 percent,” he added.
Wasim said in early matches, their top order was doing wonders. “Malik was leading from the front and was giving consistent performances, while Sohaib Maqsood also played well in patches, but we have noted that the middle order is not playing its due role, which is main area of concern for us. Bowling is our main strength, as each and every bowler has given match-winning performances in one or another match.
“Pressure is mounting now, as almost all the teams are under pressure, so it is time to show character. Overall, it is good performance as a unit. We have established and proven stuff both in batting and bowling and I am sure experience will count in the end and they will click,” he added.
He said it doesn’t matter the matches are played in Lahore, Karachi or any other place. “I feel cricket must return to Pakistan. It is a great initiative by PCB chairman Najam Sethi and credit must be given to him. It is a good gesture from the PCB to allocate PSL-3 final to Karachi, which has given so many greats to Pakistan cricket and I feel justice has been done.
“Gradually, cricket is returning to Pakistan. The more the international cricket is played in other cities of Pakistan, the better it will help flourish in the country. Pakistan has given so many contributions and cricket can’t be completed without it. Karachi has huge fan-following of cricket and I am quite sure the electrifying environment and the stadium buzzing with noise is second to none. The PSL has managed to attract people from all walks of life in very short span of time,” he added.
He said the main aim of Sultans is obviously to qualify for the semifinals and then play final. “For a new franchise, even playing semifinal will be a huge achievement. The remaining matches are still complicated, so let’s see and hope for the best.
“We have entered the PSL with an aim of providing quality cricket, give fans something to cheer about and I feel we are highly successful in doing so. We have great bunch of players, a combination of experienced and youth, who are capable of winning matches for their team single-handedly.
“I want to congratulate Multan Sultan owners, team management and each and every one, who is involved with the franchise. I also want to congratulate PCB chairman Najam Sethi as his brainchild has been fast becoming the world’s one of the best leagues, so credit must be given where it belongs,” Wasim concluded.
MOHSIN ALI