HBL PSL is among top three leagues in the world: Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan, arguably a modern great, has remained an attraction for the HBL PSL fans. He has remained an integral part of Lahore Qalandars’ plans and Cricket Pakistan had the pleasure of interviewing him.

Speaking about his PSL experience in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Rashid said that he is “thoroughly enjoying” the HBL PSL 7.

“I am enjoying it thoroughly especially since we have performed well as well. Players are available for selection and everyone has also contributed with their performances too.” Rashid Khan said.

Playing under new captain Shaheen Shah, Rashid said that Shaheen is now a different cricketer altogether.

“He is a young captain but he listens to everyone which is always good to see. As experienced players, we are always there to support him in any way that he needs us because stand with him completely,” he said. “He keeps everything calm in the dressing room and this is a different Shaheen Shah from before.”

Sameen Rana labelled Rashid as “a great cricketer but a better human” and responding to that, he said:

“It is all Sameen bhai’s love. He himself is a genuine human being who has given me lots of love and lots of support. As an international player, you are the one who has to adjust to the team requirements and I have always done that for the Qalandars franchise.”

“I like to meet all the youngsters and spend time with them. This allows me to share my experience with them. My effort is always to keep things simple with the franchise which enables you to perform better on the pitch,” he further added.

Commenting on Fakhar’s terrific form, Rashid explained that it will prove crucial in Qalandars’ development in PSL 7.

“Watching Fakhar Zaman is quite enjoyable. He is in superb form and to see him build an inning is good to see; he has started playing mature cricket and has the ability to progressively pace his inning. His form is important for us and his aim is to maximise on this magnificent form too,” he said.

Rashid Khan termed HBL PSL 7 as “one of the top-three” leagues across the globe.

“The PSL standard is unbelievable. The league is definitely in the top-three leagues across the globe. Almost all franchises have pacers who bowl at over 140 kmph and as a batter, that is a huge task. I am looking forward to playing in Lahore because the Pakistan crowd is equally brilliant,” he added.

The Qalandars’ player explained his approach and added that relying on his own skill is something key for him.

“I am a firm believer that one should stop relying too much on the wicket and conditions. Instead, you should always look at your own skills. You are already defeated if you start convincing yourself that the conditions are not spinner-friendly and other things like that. You will then start performing well automatically,” explained Rashid.

Rashid explained that he is always trying new shots, one that was recently put on display in HBL PSL 7.

“It is not a helicopter shot because it is a bit different. I have always had strong wrists and that is what I utilise – it is basically just a flick shot. I have put in effort in my bowling; be it my balance, head position, and other fundamental things. Hopefully, I can keep this form going,” he said.