LAHORE: Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis has cautioned his countrymen not to expect the Pakistan Super League to immediately churn out players of the class of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, like the Indian Premier League has done for the game in the neighbouring country.
“I think we shouldn’t keep our expectations high from the PSL in its first year. It will take time say three to four years before we can expect this league to also give us the Virat Kohlis or Rohit Sharma’s like the IPL did for India,” he said on Saturday from Sydney.
Waqar said obviously expectations were high that the PSL would help Pakistan cricket produce some outstanding talent like the IPL had done for the Indian team.
“But we need to be patient and give it at least three to four years before we can expect the PSL to mould our young talent into international material players,” he said.
Waqar, however, made it clear that while he understood the desire of the franchises to field the sides they think are best for their requirements, he would like to see more players selected in the Pakistan squad play in the ongoing PSL.
“I don’t know what the cricket board can do because after all this is a commercial entity and franchises have their own businesses and requirements.
“But it would be good if the players picked in the squad for the Asia Cup and World T20 events are given chances to play in the PSL,” the former Test captain said.
Waqar clearly didn’t sound too happy with the way some of the Pakistan players have not been given regular chances by their franchises.
“I am a bit surprised that Babar Azam is not playing in all matches and Muhammad Irfan is not being tested out fully,” he added.
The Pakistan coach was also candid when asked whether he was satisfied with the squad selected for the two coming events.
“I don’t know whether you have spoken to chief selector Haroon Rasheed, but I think it is best you speak to him about this.
“I was consulted by the selectors but it is their final decision on the squad,” Waqar stated.
Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2016
