ISLAMABAD: Legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram, who is the director of Islamabad United team that will play in the inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL), feels that the league will boost the confidence of the new generation of Pakistan cricketers.

“The role as a director is not a different one. I have a very professional team in Islamabad United with Dean Jones as the coach. We also have a good bunch of boys. Captain Misbah-ul-Haq is an easygoing captain. We have some very good youngsters who are eager to learn and I think PSL, apart from bringing financial benefit to the players, will give so much confidence to a young generation of upcoming Pakistan cricketers,” Wasim said in an interview with Gulf News.

Wasim feels that the Pakistan players being in the dressing room with the legendary cricketers will give them a big boost.

“Playing with the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Shane Watson and being in the same dressing room will benefit them. They will pick a lot of good things from them and that is what Pakistan cricket and youngsters were lacking. Since there was no international cricket in Pakistan this will give the youngsters the confidence as they will eventually be representing the country,” he said.

When asked whether PSL is a concept that can succeed, Wasim said: “It is a great concept but there will be some teething problems early on like any other tournament in the world. Once it kicks off everything will fall in place. What we need is the lovers of cricket in Dubai and Sharjah to come and support it and accept is as their own tournament.”

The most exciting factor for Akram is the timing of the league. “The timing of the PSL is perfect with Asia Cup and Twenty20 World Cup set to begin. So 20 days of high octane entertainment cricket is the perfect preparation for the players.

“After this first edition of PSL, every young player will be wanting to be in next year’s draft or auction,” he said.

“First of all we need a good crowd and obviously good competitive cricket which will surely happen. We need to also play clean cricket. PSL is just starting. It is now a little baby but the intentions are very clear by the PSL and by the players. They all want to succeed and you can succeed only if you play tough and entertaining cricket,” Wasim added.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2016