LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars opener Muhammad Naeem is determined to help the defending champions retain the Pakistan Super League (PSL) crown, saying his primary aim is to contribute to the team’s success.

With the tournament taking place from March 26 to May 3, the stage is set for a historic 11th edition as the Shaheen-led Qalandars prepare to defend their title as they go head-to-head with debutants Hyderabad Kings in the opening game on Thursday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revised its logistical plans, controlling all matches behind closed doors in Karachi and Lahore.

This marks a departure from the original schedule which included places like Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the decision was taken after consultation with the owners and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

speaks Jio NewsThe top-order batsman has expressed his determination to pick up where he left off as he prepares for his second game last season.

“I have got the opportunity to play for Lahore Qalandars for the second time and my plan is to start from where I left off last season,” he said.

Looking back on last year, Naeem admitted that his performance in three or four matches did not meet his expectations.

“The effort is always to give my best, but the results are not always in our control,” he explained.

Naeem gave an optimistic assessment of the Qalandars’ squad for PSL 11, noting that the core group of players remains intact.

“The core players of the team are still together and the new players have settled in well,” he said. “This combination is shaping up well and will be better than last season. In T20 cricket, a strong combination is important.”

He pointed to the arrival of Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman as a significant boost to the line-up, further highlighting the traditional bowling strength of the side.

When asked about individual aspirations, Naeem insisted that personal accolades take a backseat to the team’s collective goal.

“Every batsman wants to be the man of the match, but my main goal is to contribute to the team’s success,” he said.

“I want to help my team win and make them champions again – that’s my goal.”

The 26-year-old had a good run for the Callanders in the 10th edition as he scored 314 runs in 12 matches at a healthy strike rate of 162.69, which included three half-centuries.

comments

Submit