Ronchi appreciates emergence of Pakistani talent coming through PSL

 

SHARJAH: Luke Ronchi, the former New Zealand International, has stated that local Pakistani talent participating in the Pakistan Super League is highlight of the tournament.

Talking to Geo in Sharjah after his side Islamabad United’s practice session, the 37-year-old cricketer from New Zealand said that youngsters and emerging players in the PSL are amazing.

“The local talent in PSL has always been good, the last year was amazing and this year as well. The sort of young talent in Pakistan, not just in our team but in every time, is highlight of the competition. The young talent coming from Pakistan is really good,” he said.

The Pakistan Super League has been producing talent for Pakistan Cricket. In last three editions, the PSL fast-tracked players like Hassan Ali, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Ashraf to international cricket.

This year too, from Haris Rauf to Ali Shafique and from Musa Khan to Umar Khan, the local talent produced by PSL has impressed everyone, including Ronchi.

The flamboyant wicket-keeper batsman said that he’s hopeful of Islamabad’s success in the campaign to defend the title.

“We are here to play good cricket, we always want to win the tournament and hopefully we can play some good cricket and get to the final,” he said.

“It’s been good, we have same set of group as last year, few new guys are coming in and I guess sort of start the same way as last year. A little bit of up and down in start. But the guys are happy as we know we can play some good cricket as there’s a lot more to go,” he added.

The experienced cricketer also hailed captaincy of Mohammad Sami saying that Sami has been brilliant as captain.

“He’s nice and relaxed he knows how to use his bowlers and batters and talks to guys in the field so he has been brilliant,” Ronchi said.

Replying to a question, the only cricketer to play for both New Zealand and Australia, said that his previous experience of visiting Pakistan was good and he’s looking to visit the country once again.

“The experience was amazing. Playing in front of 30, 40 thousand people which where you really enjoy. Whole experience was good and winning made it even better. Hopefully we go back there again and I’m expecting crowd and support. It should be fun,” he said.