DUBAI: Quetta Gladiators, the runners-up of both first and second edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL), are keen to take their best possible and available players to Karachi for the final of this season.

Their captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who is also Pakistan captain for all the three formats, when asked about the unavailability of Kevin Peitersen for the matches to be played in Pakistan, said that they are putting in great efforts and will be taking the best possible international players to the final which is scheduled to be held in Karachi on March 25.

“Pietersen’s presence does matter but for now we are trying to make it to the finals and then take the best possible and available international players to Pakistan,” said Sarfraz while speaking to Dawn News.

Talking about PCB Chairman Najam Sethi’s reconfirmation on the PSL final being held in Karachi followed by the West Indies tour , the skipper said that there can’t be anything better than playing international matches in Karachi.

“Playing matches in Karachi with international players is a positive step and a great news for Karachi. Matches are beginning to be held in different cities of Pakistan which is so good to see,” he added.

“Karachi is my city and and we would love to play there. But first we have to qualify and for that we will have to win almost all of our next matches,” he said.

After five matches, Quetta Gladiators stand only above the winless Lahore Qalandars on points table which is not a pretty scenario for them. However, Sarfraz is very hopeful that his team will bounce back in the remaining matches.

“I agree that our performance was a little disappointing, but I am very hopeful that we will bounce back in rest of our matches by overcoming our mistakes,” he said. “We have worked on the weak areas and will be going with full strength in the next matches and qualify for the final.”

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2018