Islamabad United’s Shadab Khan upbeat ahead of PSL 6

Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan is confident of a better showing in the upcoming sixth season of PSL, after his team failed to qualify for the PSL 5 playoffs.

While speaking to media in Karachi on Wednesday, the all-rounder is hoping the addition of right-arm pacer Hasan Ali will strengthen his team’s bowling attack.

“Majority of our team is made up of youngsters. Our performances in the past two years haven’t been up to the mark. However, we are confident of performing better this season,” said Shadab.

“Our batting still clicked last season, however we made some mistakes in the bowling department. We have prepared a strategy for the upcoming season and will try not to repeat the mistakes from previous season. Hasan Ali is in great form and his inclusion has also strengthened our squad,” he added.

Shadab also threw his support behind Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup later this year in India.

“Babar Azam is one of the top batsmen in the world. But he is still learning as a captain. Pakistan’s Test series win over South Africa displayed Babar’s captaincy ability. He will continue to improve as he leads Pakistan in more matches. Our aim is to win the upcoming T20 World Cup and I hope Babar Azam leads us to victory in India,” he said.

Shadab added that his fitness is improving every day and he is confident of regaining full fitness in time for PSL 6.

The 22-year-old missed the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch and the home series against South Africa after being advised a six-week rest following MRI scans confirmed injury to the left thigh. Shadab was diagnosed with “high grade full thickness tear to the Rectus Femoris muscle”, an injury he had sustained during his side’s four wickets victory over New Zealand in the Napier T20I in December last year.