Watson eager to play PSL in Pakistan

Australia’s former all-rounder Shane Watson, in an interview with Cricket Pakistan, stated that he was looking forward to the fifth edition of Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL), which will be held in Pakistan next year.

Watson claimed that visiting Karachi, last year, was the highlight of his career and stated that it was the safest place in the world due to the top-notch security arrangements.

“I had an awesome time in Karachi when I was there for a week during the [PSL]. finals. It was one of the highlights of my career to be able to play in Karachi. To be involved with winning the tournament for Quetta Gladiators, it was an awesome time of my life,” said Watson. “The security was phenomenal. It was one of the safest places to be in the world with that kind of security around. I am really looking forward to playing there again.”

The former all-rounder praised the quality of the cricket played in the HBL PSL while terming the tournament ‘tough’ and ‘challenging’.

“PSL is a tough tournament, it really is. The quality of fast-bowling is right up there and also the batsmen as well. It’s just a great tournament to be able to play in. It’s challenging which is a great thing because the quality of cricket that is being played there is phenomenal,” he said.

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Watson expressed his admiration for Pakistan’s former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and praised his skillset, which makes him a world class player.

“Sarfaraz has had so much success as a captain. It’s great that they continue to have him in Quetta Gladiators. He leads the team really well. Sarfaraz has done a great job and he is a world class cricketer. Even if you take away his captaincy, as a batsman and a keeper he is still a world class player. We are really fortunate to have him,” he said.

The former all-rounder had no doubts that Sarfaraz would eventually make a comeback into the side based on his performance.

“He definitely will [be able to make a comeback]. There’s no question about it. He is not too old, he’s a world class cricketer so of course there is no question that he won’t make a comeback,” he said.

Watson also heaped praise at Pakistan’ prolific batsman Babar Azam and claimed that the batsman was beautiful to watch.

“Babar Azam is a beautiful batsman to watch. The way he bats in all formats, he is a beautiful player. In T20’s, he doesn’t look like he is taking that many risks but still scores very quickly. One-day cricket, obviously he has a very good record. He is just a world class player,” he said.

The former all-rounder revealed that Pakistan’s pacer Wahab Riaz was his favourite player while remembering their iconic battle in the 2015 World Cup.

“Wahab Riaz is definitely one of my favourite players. The battle that I had in the 2015 World Cup is one of my cherished moments. It was an amazing experience to be a part of.  In a World Cup knockout game and then being able to play in all these T20 tournaments against him, it’s always a great battle on the field. He bowls at good pace, he has got great skills, so always love playing against him,” he concluded.

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