Shadab Khan: “Haider Ali is our key player. You need to give such aggressive players a lot of backing”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan spin-bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan said aggressive players like Haider Ali need to consistently be backed in order for them to unleash their full potential.
Haider was once seen as the next big thing in Pakistan cricket, but inconsistent performances led to him falling out of favour with the national selectors.
Initially, the 23-year-old wasn’t selected by any Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise for the 2024 edition of the tournament. However, he was later picked by Islamabad in the Replacement Draft.
Having been thrown a lifeline, Haider went on to score 103 runs in seven matches, which included a top score of 52 not out, at an average of 25.75 and a strike-rate of 163.49.
“Haider Ali is our key player. You need to give such aggressive players a lot of backing,” Shadab was quoted as saying by PakPassion on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Islamabad ended up being crowned PSL 9 champions after defeating the Multan Sultans by two wickets in the final.
Pakistan’s next assignment will be a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which will take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from April 18 to 27.
Islamabad United Squad for PSL 9: Shadab Khan (captain), Naseem Shah, Jordan Cox, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan, Tymal Mills, Faheem Ashraf, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Rumman Raees, Matthew Forde, Salman Ali Agha, Qasim Akram, Shahab Khan, Hunain Shah, Ubaid Shah, Shamyl Hussain, Obed McCoy, Haider Ali, Muhammad Waseem