Afridi foresees full PSL being held in Pakistan

Popular all-rounder Shahid Afridi foresees the complete Pakistan Super League (PSL) being held in Pakistan in the next couple of years, hoping it will lift the standard of cricket in the country.

The hard hitting all-rounder had switched from Peshawar Zalmi to Karachi Kings where he looks well set and fresh.

Afridi, who turns 38 on March 1, said the aim is to bring the entire PSL to Pakistan.

“The real goal is to take the full PSL to Pakistan, and the World XI tour and Sri Lanka Twenty20 has raised hopes for more matches in Pakistan, and soon there will be a time when the full PSL will be held on our grounds before our fans,” Afridi told ARY News.

The man who attracts the biggest crowds in cricket hoped a last hurrah on PSL turns into a befitting farewell.

“This is nothing new,” said Afridi on his team change. “Players change clubs and teams so have I done and I wanted to play for Karachi before full retirement,” said Afridi.

Asked if full time retirement meant from all form of cricket, Afridi smiled: “Yes, full time although the introduction of T10 cricket has lengthened our careers, so player should play until his body supports him.”

Afridi, who smashed the fastest hundred in his only second ODI against Sri Lanka off just 37 balls in Nairobi on 1996, also achieved the first hat trick of the newest format.

Afridi believes Karachi Kings has the capacity to win the title.

“We have a balanced combination and have an energetic captain in Imad Wasim and have experienced personnel in Mickey Arthur, Rashid Latif and Azhar Mahmood, and these utility players and staff can help us win the title,” said Afridi.

Afridi hoped the real goal of the PSL is to groom and unearth local players.

“PSL is our league do its best purpose is to mould the youngsters for Pakistan team and that it is going on since the last two years.”