Battle with Sangakkara turned things around for me: Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan is looking forward to making Islamabad United the most successful HBL PSL franchise by winning the title for the third time in the upcoming edition of the tournament.

Shadab spoke candidly with PCB Digital on wide-ranging cricket-related matters and also previewed the tournament, which will culminate in Lahore on 19 March.

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“What I am today is solely due to HBL PSL. I entered in this competition as an Emerging Category player, but this tournament gave me the opportunity, belief and confidence to grow and develop as a cricketer and I am pleased that I am now a Platinum Category player.

“When I started my cricket, I thought I could be a good U19 or domestic cricketer, but then I got the opportunity in HBL PSL 1 where I was able to deceive and trouble the then world’s best batter Kumar Sangakkara with my wrong’un or leg-spin.

This turned things around for me as I started believing in myself and now I can play in any competition, against any opponent and in any tournament with the conviction that I can perform.”

Shadab is also grateful for HBL PSL for providing him a platform to improve his leadership skills.

“It was the HBL PSL that provided me with the chance to demonstrate my captaincy and batting abilities with performances and establish myself as a useful and effective all-rounder.

Cricket is not only about skill, but also about mental toughness and I think HBL PSL provided me that platform where I was actually able to identify and trust my talent and abilities,” he said.

“When I am playing in the HBL PSL, I am more focused because I don’t want to lose to my team-mates and close friends, otherwise they remind you the whole year with their teasing comments,” he added.

Shadab will walk out for the toss for the first time in 2023 with Imad in Karachi