Wasim Akram urges fans to do their part, fill up PSL stadiums

Published February 15, 2019
Wasim Akram is currently the president PSL franchise Karachi Kings. — File
Wasim Akram is currently the president PSL franchise Karachi Kings. — File

Pace legend Wasim Akram has urged fans to fill up the stadium for the HBL Pakistan Super League 2019, which began at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium Stadium on Thursday with a glittering opening ceremony, followed by a high-voltage match between defending champions Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars.

Wasim, one of the greatest left-arm pacemen to have played cricket, is with Karachi Kings as president after guiding Islamabad United to the title in the first edition in 2016 before helping expansion franchise Multan Sultans last year.

The Sultan of Swing's contribution in the PSL is significant, according to a press release on the official PSL side. He is credited with helping Rumman Raees, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Sami and Shadab Khan shine at the HBL PSL when he was with Islamabad before benefiting Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan and Mohammad Abbas while at Multan.

Now he has two exciting left-armers – Mohammad Amir and Usman Shinwari – at Karachi Kings who will definitely mature under his wings.

But apart from his coaching and mentoring, Wasim also realises his duty to promote the PSL which is the country's own brand and is getting better and better with every year.

He urges the fans in UAE — mostly Pakistani expats — to flock to the stadiums.

“This league is ours, yours and of every Pakistani,” Wasim said. “Pakistan have made this league for Pakistani fans. All six teams are Pakistani owners.

“Whether come to the Dubai stadium or Sharjah or Abu Dhabi or for the matches in Pakistan. Whether they are watching it on television, just enjoy. This is our brand and we have to make it successful,” said the legend.

Wasim praised the efforts behind the staging of the league.

“It takes an enormous effort to organise such a mega event, so from a small worker to the PCB chairman to those who are in the government to the PM Imran Khan, everyone deserves a big hand but at the end of the day fans have to make this league popular.

“I am sure people will come in large numbers in matches in Pakistan. Hopefully, a day will come soon when our league will be completely held in Pakistan.”

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.