Misbah all praise for Islamabad youngsters

Dubai - Captain does not mind sitting out and watching them perform

Islamabad United captain Misbah-ul-Haq is spoilt for choice after his talented bunch of youngsters impressed in the first play-off against Karachi Kings in the HBL Pakistan Super League at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday night.

While talking to Khaleej Times exclusively after the match, the captain cool said: "Everybody wants to play but if you have youngsters like these who win matches for you then I think you shouldn't have any problem sitting out and watching them perform.

"Today (Sunday) I didn't play and Farhan Sahibzada got the chance. He gave Islamabad a rousing start in the company of the red-hot Luke Ronchi.

"I am very satisfied with the team performance whether I play the match or not."

Islamabad have a galaxy of emerging stars. Asif Ali and Hussain Talat are star performers of this PSL.

"Asif has an abundance of talent and the PSL has provided him with a chance to flourish on the big stage. I am aware of his abilities because in the 2013 semifinal of domestic T20 tournament, he hit a blistering century against the bowling of Mohammad Irfan and Rahat Ali. I knew from that day that this lad will play for Pakistan one day," Misbah said.

While talking about Talat, the captain was of the view that the left-hander has a great future.

"He is a consistent performer at the domestic level. In the past he had some fitness issues but he has overcome the problem now and in my opinion Pakistan need a player like him in the middle order. The boy from Shahdra (near Lahore) has a bright chance to represent the country in future. These players are Pakistan's asset and I hope they will be taken care of by Pakistan Cricket Board."

Talking about the poor turnout of spectators for the Dubai matches, Misbah said: "Some of the Dubai matches failed to draw big crowds but we can't blame the expatriate Pakistanis living here. It is difficult for the working people to spare time and money for the matches on a regular basis. The location of the stadium is also an issue for working class people who don't own cars."

The PCB is making all efforts to take the league back to Pakistan in the near future.

"West Indies have agreed to visit and play a T20 series in Karachi and it will pave the way for international cricket's return to Pakistan," said the former Pakistan captain.

liaqat@khaleejtimes.com