Pakistan Super League (PSL) is not the second best franchise league after Indian Premier League (IPL), says former Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat.
During a recent interview with a local sports site, Arafat said that the Big Bash League (PBL) is actually the second best league in terms of cricket quality and statistics.
“Pakistan says its PSL is second league after IPL, but if you look at the numbers and quality of cricket, I believe the Big Bash League is actually second after IPL,” Arafat said.
The 43-year-old explained why performing in certain situations can be a challenge for players.
“The reasons are the same—the conditions there are very difficult for the players to perform. Recently, we have seen six or seven players struggle even though Pakistan’s best cricketers have participated. Besides, the standard of cricket there is very high,” he said.
The all-rounder also explained how conditions in Australia differ from Pakistan.
“Unlike Pakistan, where the pitches have little bounce, little boundaries and targets are usually 200-220 runs, usually teams can chase,” he said.
The former fast bowler praised Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan for his performances in PBL 15 representing Sydney Thunder.
In the first match of the tournament, Shadab scored 34 runs and took two wickets.
He followed this up with 41 against the Sydney Sixers, 25 against the Melbourne Stars and four against the Brisbane Heat.
“Shadab has done somewhat well but most of the other players, including Babar Azam, have struggled. Shaheen Afridi’s performance has not been up to the mark given his reputation and experience as a Pakistan bowler,” Arafat concluded.