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Darren Sammy excited to take part in PSL

by Manuj Sharma Monday 1 February 2016

Darren Sammy will play for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League 2016.

©REUTERS / Action Images

West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy expressed his excitement over participating in the upcoming Pakistan Super League where he plays for the Peshawar Zalmi franchise.

Most recently, Sammy has taken part in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Hobart Hurricanes and also for the Rangpur Riders in the 2015 Bangladesh Premier League.

Citing the excellent success of the BBL in attracting large number of people to the stadium, Sammy is confident that the PSL has the potential to become one of the big names in franchise cricket.

“You bet I am. Every nation has its twenty over tournament and you cannot ignore the fact that this format is taking the world by storm,” said Sammy in an interview with PakPassion.net

“Look at the Big Bash, 80,000 people turning up for a match in that tournament and 40,000 people at the stadium in Perth to watch another Big Bash match yet barely 20,000 attended a Test match involving Australia and India.

“If PSL is organised properly it can be a win/win situation for everybody.

“This is a chance for the PSL to build its brand and become a big name in franchise cricket.”

Peshawar Zalmi will be captained by Shahid Afridi with players like Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Hafeez and Tamim Iqbal in the side.

Since it is the inaugural edition of the PSL, Sammy feels that it will be an open contest for all the teams and also added that he was eager to play under the leadership of Afridi.

“Every team will fancy its chances.

“It looks an open tournament to me.

“We are all looking forward to go to Dubai and take part in the first PSL.

“I never dreamed of playing in the same team as Shahid Afridi who will captain the side.

“Twenty20 franchise cricket gives me that opportunity.

“Right now you learn about so many different cultures and so many players in these sort of leagues.

“I'm definitely looking forward to playing in the Pakistan Super League, it should be a very interesting experience.”

Tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the BBL have provided young players a platform to mingle with international stars and showcase their talents.

Stating that the PSL will be a great opportunity for the young Pakistan players to learn from the international stars, Sammy said that he will be looking forward to share his knowledge with the players.

“Yes, absolutely. Look at India and the IPL and how that started.

“It's about good international players mixing with local talent which creates an opportunity for learning.

“You have youngsters rubbing shoulders with international players and that gives them the chance to learn and improve their game.

“I'm not only looking forward to playing alongside Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz and Umar Akmal, but also playing alongside the local talent that will be in the squad and you can only get that when you play in these sorts of tournaments.

“There is an opportunity for me to learn also as well as passing on some of my experience and knowledge to the local players and youngsters.”

Peshawar Zalmi get their PSL campaign underway with the first game against Islamabad United on 5th February at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.