Youth impressed by intense first session

Dubai - Lack of international cricket is hurting Pakistan and the PSL will provide a chance to local talent to play and hone their skills.

A young Pakistani cricketer was overawed with the international settings during his first training for the Islamabad United as the Pakistan Super League teams took to the training grounds at the ICC Academy on Monday.
Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul Haq was the first to take his Islamabad United paratroopers to the ground and Ruman Raees was highly impressed with the short but intense drills conducted by international coaches.
"I have played first class cricket in Pakistan and trained under qualified coaches but the way we trained in short but intense sessions was out of the world for me," Raees, an emerging fast bowler of Islamabad, told Khaleej Times.
"Pakistani youngsters have not experienced international atmosphere as yet. This type of professionalism will have a great effect on Pakistan cricket. It is a golden chance for us to grab this opportunity," he added.
While talking about Islamabad chances in the PSL, Raees said: "It is a balanced team and led by a seasoned captain in the form of Misbah. The owners have bought quality players and we stand a good chance to win this tournament."
Quetta Zalmi's star player Kamran Akmal also shared his views about the tournament with media by saying: "The PSL is a breath of fresh air for Pakistan cricket. It was long overdue but was being postponed due to various reasons. "Cricket enthusiasts are over the moon in Pakistan and the tournament is bound to succeed."
Lack of international cricket is hurting Pakistan and the PSL will provide a chance to local talent to play and hone their skills.
"There is no club or school cricket in Pakistan and our youngsters get no opportunity to exhibit their talent. The PSL will provide an ideal chance to emerging players to rub shoulders with players like Kevin Pietersen and Chris Gayle. Pakistan is going to unearth new stars in near future."
Kamran has been performing well in domestic tournaments and vows to do well for Peshawar Zalmi.
"The timing of the PSL is ideal as it will provide chance to the players to impress selectors ahead of World T20 being held in India.
"I have been performing well in domestic tournaments and I will try to win games for Peshawar. That is what I can do and hope for the best."
The PSL kicks off on February 4 with Islamabad United taking on Quetta Gladiators in Dubai.
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com