ISLAMABAD: Lahore Qalandars captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has spoken about his batting position in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In an interview with Pakistan’s local media, Shaheen reflected on his role, particularly when he came in to bat early during previous editions of the PSL.
Shaheen explained, “When I come in to bat early, the team is usually four or five wickets down. I step in because the team needs me. I don’t want the main batters to be put under pressure in difficult circumstances. I try to take on the pressure myself and score some quick runs,” according to Cricket Pakistan.
He added, “If I get out doing that, it doesn’t matter, but if a senior batter were to be dismissed in that situation, it would put the team under even more pressure.”
“I try to absorb the pressure for the team. If we can score some runs, it will increase the pressure on the opposition,” he stated.
All-rounder
Shaheen also clarified that he does not consider himself an all-rounder, emphasising his focus on bowling. “I don’t have any intention of being an all-rounder. It happens occasionally for fun, but my main role is to bowl and then bat,” he said.
The 10th edition of the PSL will commence on Friday, 11 April, with defending champions Islamabad United facing two-time winners Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The tournament will feature six teams and a total of 34 matches, running from 11 April to 18 May. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including the two eliminators and the grand finale, while Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will stage 11 matches, including the first qualifier on 13 May. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five matches.
Additionally, the tournament will include three double-headers, with two scheduled for Saturdays and one on Labour Day (1 May).
