PSL 'a talent-producing event' for Pakistani cricket: United's Asif Ali

DUBAI: Batsman Asif Ali, who is currently playing for Islamabad United, said Monday night that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is "a talent-producing event" for the Pakistani cricket scene.

Speaking to Geo.tv here in Dubai, 27-year-old Ali said the PSL has produced some cricketers with good talent in the past, with more already getting attention in the series' fourth edition.

The middle-order batsman, who himself was chosen through the PSL, said Umar Khan of Karachi Kings and Ali Shafiq of Multan Sultans, as well as Qalandars’ Haris Rauf, were among those who have everyone’s attention in this tournament.

“Every player is giving his best and working hard in this league,” he said about the general mood this season.

“There are two from Islamabad, Musa and Rizwan, Umar [Khan of Karachi Kings], Haris Rauf [of Lahore Qalandars, and] Ali Shafiq [of Multan Sultans].

"The PSL continues to give new faces to Pakistan cricket,” he added.

With an experience of 11 ODIs and 19 T20Is for Pakistan, Ali added that playing in the league has allowed him to learn work ethics from the world-renown cricketers.

The “PSL has brought a lot of improvement in my career. It’s a top level competition where we get to share a dressing room with top players [and it] gives us the opportunity to learn from their work ethics,” he said.

Eyeing the upcoming World Cup in his sight, Ali noted that he aims to give his best in the PSL in order to confirm his ticket to the UK with the Pakistan squad for the mega event.

“I try to give my best at any tournament I’m playing. I will give my 100 percent here as well.

"I have the World Cup in my mind and goal is to be in Pakistan squad for the event,” he said.