DUBAI: Veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi said on Thursday that the second edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) has not seen high calibre batting talent among the young guns which is somewhat disappointing.

Afridi, nicknamed ‘Boom Boom’ for his lusty hitting, has regained his form during the last few games and has scored some hurricane knocks for his team, Peshawar Zalmi to enthrall the crowds and his fans.

“There should have been some exciting batting talent on display in PSL two, as all of us had expected, but that has not happened,” said Afridi. “Even in the inaugural season last year, there were not many youngsters who impressed with their batting,” observed Afridi.

However, some of the young bowlers who have made their mark in PSL two, have surely impressed Afridi and that includes talented Shadab Khan who grabbed 9 wickets with the economy rate of 6.61 this season, besides upcoming leg-break bowler Usama Mir and left-arm pacer Usman Khan Shinwari.

“I felt great playing against Usman and Usama and both of them are very talented bowlers,” said Afridi.

He asserted that the talented youngsters who have done well in the league should be groomed and utilised properly by national selectors.

“These young players should be groomed in NCA and should be given best facilities which can fulfill the demands of international cricket,” said Afridi. “They hold lot of promise and I am happy to see that the future of Pakistan cricket is bright.”

Speaking about the important play-off against Karachi Kings on Friday, Afridi said: “All the Zalmi players are fit and confident about facing Karachi Kings in play-off and our combination is really hitting off well.”

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2017