Pakistan cricketers’ fondness for Abu Dhabi and their confidence to give their best during the coming PSL matches

 By K.R. Nayar

Many Pakistan cricketers have made their international cricket debut in the UAE, and some have done it in Abu Dhabi. They are familiar with the conditions in this emirate having played many international matches as well as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the years. Some of the leading cricketers discuss how to win matches in Abu Dhabi.

Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan Super League’s remaining 20 matches will be held at the Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium during the coming days. It’s a venue loved by Pakistan cricketers as many have made their international debut here and some have also played many PSL matches here.
Being able to play on pitches familiar to players outside their own country is indeed a blessing. Pakistan cricketers like it in the UAE since it has been their home for international matches for many years. Many of them have set their best records here.

Fakhar Zaman, one of Pakistan’s finest batsman who plays for Lahore Qalandars, made his Test debut in October 2018 against Australia in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium. Talking about the oncoming PSL matches on his debut ground, Zaman said: “We have gained considerable experience of the UAE pitches over the years. Conditions in Abu Dhabi are likely to favour the batsmen on most occasions, though the pitches do offer something to the fast bowlers as well, and that makes it a good contest. The weather will be challenging but that will spur us on further. My aim would be to continue to provide good starts to the team and play out a long innings for my side whenever there is an opportunity.”

Mohammad Nawaz

Mohammad Nawaz, the star player for Quetta Gladiators made his Test debut in Dubai against the West Indies in 2016 and then played his second Test in Abu Dhabi. He loves the conditions in the UAE. “I have always enjoyed bowling in the UAE and I am preparing myself for making a substantial impact with the ball on pitches that can be conducive to spin bowling. We are a team known for our comebacks and fightbacks, and we head to Abu Dhabi with our spirits high.”

Another Pakistan star player and Karachi Kings opener Sharjeel Khan, who made his T20 and ODI debut from Sharjah in 2013 and has even played in domestic tournaments here before becoming an international star, is well aware of how to adapt to the conditions here. He said: “Being the defending champions and table toppers in the current edition, we head to Abu Dhabi with a great deal of confidence. However, Abu Dhabi conditions would not be that easy, especially with the heat. So my aim will be to attack from the outset and make significant contributions to my team. I have a firm belief that we have the capability to defend our title.”

Veteran allrounder Shoaib Malik began his One Day International cricket journey from Sharjah in 1999 and has produced many memorable performances in Abu Dhabi. He has a word of advice to his Peshawar Zalmi teammates: “In Abu Dhabi, the heat will be a big challenge for all teams at this time of the year, and the ones who cope the best with these conditions will be best placed to lift the trophy. As always, I will aim to deliver to the best of my ability and take the team through tough situations while offering my full support to the captain and the team management. I have worked extremely hard on my batting and fitness in the recent months, and that should hopefully help me a great deal at the business end of the tournament.”

Three UAE cricketers who have been regularly playing in Abu Dhabi have already been included in the PSL. Hard hitter Waseem Muhammad has been picked for Multan Sultans while left-arm spinner Sultan Ahmed has been included in the Lahore Qalandars team. UAE’s Usman Khan has already been part of the Quetta Gladiators team.