Veteran cricketer Sir Vivian Richards has thrown his weight behind Mohammad Amir’s move to Quetta Gladiators in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) season. Speaking to local media, Richards praised Amir’s inclusion and hopes he thrives in the new environment.
While acknowledging Amir’s experience and class, Richards raises a question about his pace compared to rising star Naseem Shah, who joins Islamabad United this season.
“I don’t know if Amir will have pace similar to Naseem Shah,” he expressed, “but we are happy to have an experienced player like him in the side.”
Richards, who served as Quetta’s head coach in the past, expects the team to show improved performance after recent struggles. He sees the changes, including Amir’s addition, as positive developments. He particularly focuses on Sarfaraz Ahmed, urging him to excel with the bat under new captain Rilee Rossouw during PSL 9.
“I’m a big fan of Sarfaraz Ahmed,” Richards stated. “The new captaincy might lessen the pressure on him. I’ve asked him to prove his worth with the bat in PSL 9.”
While acknowledging Sarfaraz’s past difficulties, Richards expresses confidence in his abilities. He believes a reduced leadership burden could unlock his batting potential.
Quetta Gladiators, led by Rossouw, face Peshawar Zalmi in their opening match tomorrow in Lahore. Their squad boasts other strong names like Jason Roy, Mohammad Hasnain, and emerging talents Adil Naz and Khawaja Mohammad Nafay.
With Richards’ endorsement and a revamped squad, Quetta Gladiators enter the tournament with renewed ambitions. Whether Amir performs at Naseem’s level remains to be seen, but his experience and Sarfaraz’s focused batting could prove crucial for their success. With the first match on the horizon, all eyes will be on Quetta to see if they can translate potential into victory.
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