Former Pakistan fast-bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Aaqib Javed believe that Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars are well placed to put up a good show during the next edition.   

Akhtar hoped that the induction of former South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman in the side — along with an opener like Fakhar Zaman — will provide the team with a good base to build on.

“Now I think this time, we have tried to bring bit more stability. In the middle-order we have players like AB [AB de Villiers] who can play an anchors innings and go deep,” said Akhtar. “Also if Zaman gives a good start then it will automatically lift burden from AB. He is a sensible player and will bring more improvements in his game gradually. Whenever he bats, he usually plays a long innings.”

Akhtar also praised young pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi while also fearing about his fitness.

“He bowls his heart out although at the same time I fear for his fitness. He is a great find for Lahore Qalandars and is now up and thriving but I hope he stays fit,” he said.

On the other hand, Javed also pointed out team’s better team combination as compared to previous seasons, after the completion of this year’s draft.

“To get the right combination, we were looking for all-rounders as this is where we struggled last year,” said Javed. “This year our target was to get the best all-rounders in shape of Carlos Brathwaite and Corey Anderson. They rightly fit in in our combination. Another important pick for us was Nepal spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. Three to four franchises were targeting him as he is a very useful bowler.”

The fourth edition of PSL will begin on February 14, 2019 in UAE with eight matches set to take place in Pakistan.