BREAKOUT STARS OF HBL PSL 7.
Pakistan Super League continues to bring the pure entertainment for cricket fans, and 7th edition of HBL PSL reached new heights of success. HBL PSL 7 shattered all the previous financial records and earned 71% profits, the most in the history of the league. Despites all the record breaking revenue and earnings, the emerging stars were the biggest assets of HBL PSL 7. This season of PSL gave opportunity to a lot of prospects and these young players delivered big times and showcased their talent and skills on-field. PSL 7 produced more prospects than ever, not only local talent, but international talent also standouts in this edition. New blood definitely added quality, excitement and entertainment to this mega event and made it a big success.
Here are few local and International prospects that standouts in HBL PSL 7:
Zaman Khan
Zaman Khan, 20 year old right-arm pacer took the cricket world by storm. He played under captaincy of Shaheen Shah Afridi in Lahore Qalandars and performed remarkably. Young bowler showed such elite composure and calmness on-field, that spectator were exhilarated from his demeanor and fierce bowling. Young pacer took 18 wickets in 13 matches for Qalandars with the economy of 8.26, his best bowling figures were 4/16 against Karachi Kings; he was 3rd leading wicket taker after Shaheen Afridi (20) and Shadab Khan (19). Zaman Khan was announced to be the emerging star of the tournament (PSL 7); he marked his territory in PSL 7 despite being a rookie.
Abdullah Shafique
22 year old right-handed opening batsman Abdullah Shafique debuted for Lahore Qalandars in this edition of HBL PSL. Abdullah grabs the attention of cricket fans with his classy batting style and unique pressure handling ability. He always went after bowlers and put them on back-foot with his stylish shots and confidence on-crease. He scored 251 runs in 11 matches for Qalandars, and his innings of 52 runs in 28 balls against Islamabad United in 3rd play-off (eliminator) helped Qalandars to qualify for final. Abdullah Shafique debut for Pakistan against Bangladesh in a test match in Nov, 2021 and scored 52 runs in the 1st-innings, and 73 runs in the 2nd-innings. He also got selected for the test squad against Australia because of his impressive performance in HBL PSL 7.
Mohammed Haris
Mohammed Haris, opening right-handed batsmen and wicket keeper filled in for Kamran Akmal, who tested positive for COVID-19. 20 year old prospect cash in on this opportunity and showcased his talent and announced to the world that he is there to stay and shine. Haris played 5 matches for Peshawar Zalmi and scored 166 runs with the strike rate of 186.5, he played the extraordinary innings of 70 runs in just 32 balls against Islamabad United. His shot selections, unique style, aggressive approach and notable pressure management made him fan favorite overnight, if he keeps performing consistently he is destined to be a future star for Pakistan cricket.
Qasim Akram
19 year old all-rounder debuted for Karachi Kings this season, he played only last 4 matches for Kings but showed a lot of potential with his all-round performance. Qasim Akram was named as captain for U-19 team for ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2022; young prospect has the leadership quality and resilience that he showed in U-19 team. He scored 51 runs on 26 balls against Islamabad United and announced his entry in PSL with some flair and style. Qasim didn’t able to showcase all of his skills in this edition, but he impressed cricket fans with his composure, energy and talent; he is definitely a promising prospect that fan should look out for in future.
Harry Brooks
Former England’s U-19 Captain Harry Brooks debuted in HBL PSL this season for Lahore Qalandars. 23 year old right-handed batsman put on a show for fans this year; he scored 264 runs for Qalandars with the strike rate of 171.72. Brooks scored blistering 102 runs on just 49 balls against Islamabad United, which was one of the best innings from any batsman in this PSL. Harry Brooks helped Qalandars winning the title with his brilliant innings of 42 runs on just 21 balls in the final of HBL PSL 7. After this outstanding season of HBL PSL, it would be just matters of time before we see Harry Brooks in England’s national team.
Tim David
Tim David picked up this year in PSL by Multan Sultan, and he didn’t disappoint his fan. 26 years old Singaporean-Australian all-rounder took this opportunity with both hands and delivers pure entertainment, his aggressive batting style and power hitting ability causes bundle of problems for bowlers. Tim David struck most sixes (21) in HBL PSL 7 than any other batsman, and he scored 278 runs in 11 matches with the imposing strike rate of 194.40. Fans definitely want more of him and you can bet that we will see him again in PSL next year.
Will Smeed
20 year old prospects from England started his PSL campaign for Quetta Gladiators with blazing innings of 97 runs in 62 balls. Right-handed batsman continued to perform for Quetta Gladiators and scored 240 runs in 6 matches with the average of 40. He once again showed his class against Peshawar Zalmi when he scored wonderful 99 runs on just 60 balls. He is just 20 years old and he displayed such class, talent and composure that thought of him improving in the future is scary.
Ahsan Ali, Hamza Mir, Yasir Khan, Azam Khan and Salman Irshad are few other honorable mentions for emerging stars, they are also big prospect we should look out for in future.
