Chris Jordan shares his thoughts over playing PSL Final in Lahore
- By Web Desk -
- Mar 07, 2017
England and Peshawar Zalmi player Chris Jordan who played the much exciting final of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017 hails tour to Lahore.
Jordan expressed pleasure over his decision to travel to the final.
In an interview published on English Cricket Board website, recounting his tour he said: “It was pretty surreal! Obviously from making the decision to go, we were well briefed and everything was well documented about how everything was going to run from the time we left on the plane from Dubai to the time we got back.”
“As soon as we landed in Lahore, we were met by military guys, escorted straight onto a bus and had a 10-minute drive to the hotel with a full escort. The road was cordoned off and no-one was on the streets – it was a bit unreal!” he added
He also acclaimed reception of Pakistani people and their excitement for the cricket.
“I was glad I was able to be there and experience it. I’ll be able to say I played cricket in Pakistan and won the trophy. It was a brilliant experience,” he said.
“The reception we got said it all. They cheered every single ball for both teams, from ball one to the last. Their passion for cricket was immense. You’re on the boundary and you have people chanting your name!”
“It was immense and I had no idea that the passion for cricket was so great in Pakistan. The crowd in Lahore were brilliant – they really made the final.”
“It didn’t matter who was playing at any time in the tournament, because I didn’t play all the games, but it was a real team effort and I really felt part of something special.”
Jordan was all praise for the young Pakistani talent and the quality cricket demonstrated by senior specially overseas players in the tournament:
“In terms of the standard, I think it was very high. Every single team had some high quality overseas players and also the local talent was very, very good. It’s good they had a rule that each team had to play one emerging player, so you have a youngster coming through all the time.” Said Jordan.
“It was brilliant, I had just come from India playing the T20 series with them. Eoin Morgan was on my team but playing against Jason Roy and Sam Billings and Tymal Mills and the rest was good fun. We had good fun on the field and there was a little bit of banter flying around.” said Jordan
“It was good to see all the English guys carry on the good form they’ve had throughout the year – it can only bode well for English cricket guys going to these tournaments, playing in high pressure situations and improving their game in a short space of time.” he added.
Jordan is currently in Hong Kong to participate in T20 Blitz tourney. With the English season rapidly approaching, he is however looking forward to a return to Sussex as a more experienced cricketer.
Thank you #CJ for making #HBLPSLFINAL a historic one and playing at Lahore for #KhpalTeam.
Yes, the Zalmis of Peshawar are the Champions! https://t.co/JiYlucY5h5
— PeshawarZalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) March 5, 2017
“I’ve had a brilliant winter so far. I’ve been fortunate enough to play in a couple of different leagues and experience different cultures and experience guys with different ideas and play with some real high quality players.” Said Jordan
I think from that point of view my game has improved in a short space of time, from the Big Bash to going to India for the T20 series, then the PSL and now Hong Kong. I’m very much looking forward to getting back and getting started with the English summer, he said.
WICKET! #IftikharAhmed Takes the catch and #CJ @CJordan takes the wicket!#QGvPZ #ZaYamZalmai #KhpalTeamKhpalGPhttps://t.co/nfwWwdIdET pic.twitter.com/rJDSKgJm1i
— PeshawarZalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) March 5, 2017