KARACHI: English cricketer Samit Patel has said that he is excited to be in Karachi for the Pakistan Super League and looking forward to play an important part in helping his PSL side Islamabad United defend their title.
Talking to Geo in Karachi, Patel said that playing in front of energetic houseful crowd is special for all the players.
“It has been great,” said the 34-year-old, who has played 6 Tests, 36 ODIs and 18 T20Is for England between 2008 and 2015.
“You can see from how crowd have responded to games so far, they just love cricket here. We love playing in front of big crowds and as players we enjoy this type of atmosphere,” he said.
“The way they have welcomed us in Pakistan is great. The facility has been very great. There is no complaining about anything. Security has been very great as well,” the Leicester-born English cricketer of Indian origin said.
Talking about young talent emerging from PSL, he named Umar Khan, Mohammad Hasnain and Musa among players who have shown potential during the fourth edition of the league.
Patel particularly praised Umar, saying that the young spinner has the capability of taking big players out as this is something one needs to be at international level.
“Umar Khan from Karachi Kings has done outstandingly well. He has taken some big wickets and obviously in international you need to get big players out and he has shown that he’s got this ability to do that,” the English cricketer said.
“The guy from Quetta, Hasnain, he bowls with good pace. There are two guys who have got potential. We have got a player Musa, he has also got great pace. There’re great things coming out of PSL,” he added.
Talking about his side’s chances in PSL, Patel — who is nicknamed as Pehlwan within the team — said that he’s confident that Islamabad will successfully defend their title in PSL.
“We are a good outfit, any team now is dangerous, momentum is key for us now. Personally if I play, I will try to get the new ball roll and bat at middle order to contribute for my team,” he aimed.
Islamabad United finished third on the points table with 10 points and will play against Karachi Kin
