Will the Pakistan Super League matches be of any benefit for cricket in Pakistan? And what of the cricketers playing in the league right now? Would they be aspiring to join the future editions if possible? I asked former Pakistan captain, coach and manager Moin Khan, who coaches the most successful team, Quetta Gladiators, about the PSL and his and his team’s experience so far in the first league of its kind for Pakistan being played on foreign soil. What does he honestly think this whole exercise would do to uplift the mood and confidence of our cricketers?

Moin minced no words when expressing his viewpoint. “This,” he said, “is the best thing that has happened for Pakistan cricket in the absence of international cricket at home. Those who play domestic cricket and are unable to watch international cricketers up close have now been provided a platform to show their talent.

“I believe this is now the best way to unearth talent and to judge the quality of the players who, no doubt, will feature in the Pakistan team in the future.

Moin Khan speaks to Qamar Ahmed about the PSL experience, and what it means for Pakistan’s youngsters playing in the league

“Being in the company of Sir Vivian Richards, a legendary figure of the game and a very warm-hearted individual, is in itself a morale boosting experience for our youngsters. They look up to him and he is readily available for any counseling that they might seek, without putting on any airs.

“As a mentor he has won the hearts and support of every member of the Quetta Gladiators side and all other players in the league around him. His unassuming presence raises the spirits of the players and they seem keen to impress the great man,” Moin said.

“We have had our ups and downs in the league but still we have played well as a unit to march on and join the others at the top of the table. Like there have been times when we did not bowl well and gave away too many runs. But overall it has been a very encouraging outing for us. Richards’s presence has done wonders for us,” he added.

The presence in the league of players of the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Darren Sammy, Bravo, Luke Wright, Chris Gayle and Kumar Sangakkara, no doubt, will enhance the tournament and give Pakistan’s youngsters a lot to learn by playing with or against them. And that is a big benefit of this league, according to Moin.

“I was talking to Richards about it and he said to me ‘Moin, Pakistan has never been short of talent since I had been playing against them at all levels. They are the most gifted people and I loved watching them play. Looking at the new talent, I really admire Pakistan’s efforts despite the problems.’”

Richards, Moin said, is confident that whatever their experience, playing in a league like this can only help them become good cricketers and the confidence they will gain will matter in grooming them for the future.

“It is important to control your nerves playing at this level,” said Moin, “and don’t get flustered or discouraged by one bad loss or one bad outing with the ball or the bat. It is all a part of the game. The youngsters here have shown that if looked after by their teams and management at home they will no doubt contribute for their country,” he added.

“Mohammad Nawaz looks like a good spinner to name one, but overall most of the young players in the league look promising,” he said. Peshawar Zalmi led by Shahid Afridi, according to Moin, is one of the tough teams in this league.

At a time when Pakistan is preparing for Asia Cup and ICC World T20 in India later, the PSL is indeed the best opportunity for Pakistan to take advantage of, the former Pakistan captain pointed out.

In Dubai and Sharjah, where the league is being held, there is a buzz among the locals, the expatriates and those who love watching this short form of the game. The opening ceremony was well attended in Dubai and so are the other days in either city. Both Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi have shown vast improvement, too.

Mohammad Hafeez is in good form and so is Shahid Afridi who in one game against the Gladiators took five for seven to win the match for his team. Still, Moin feels that there is a lot more that can be done. “I would have loved to have seen this league played at home, though if security allowed. Sadly, this is not the case for the time being,” he said.

Twitter: @qamaruk

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, February 21st, 2016