LAHORE: Karachi Kings fast bowler Mir Hamza expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and leadership group as the side continues to gear up for the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.
Speaking to the media during a training session at the LCCA Ground in Lahore, the left-arm pacer said the team is gradually finding rhythm after a brief slowdown due to the Eid break.
“Our preparation is going well, and the warm-up match came at the right time,” Hamza said. “As a team, we needed match practice, and today’s game helped us a lot in getting into rhythm.”
With the PSL expanding to eight teams this season, Hamza acknowledged the heightened level of competition but remained optimistic about Karachi Kings’ prospects.
“That’s the beauty of T20 cricket, you never really know which team is the strongest on a given day,” he remarked. “If you look at the squads, all franchises have built strong teams, so we can expect a very competitive tournament. In T20 cricket, it all comes down to which team performs better on the day.”
Mir Hamza also threw his support behind captain David Warner, terming his leadership a major boost for the franchise. Warner returns to lead the side for a second consecutive season after guiding Karachi Kings to the playoffs in HBL PSL 10.
“Having David Warner as captain again is a big positive for us,” he said. “The way he led the team last season was impressive, and naturally, in the second year, there is better understanding between the captain and the players. He is very supportive and a natural leader, which is especially beneficial for the younger players.”
The experienced pacer also highlighted the importance of Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha’s inclusion in the squad.
“Salman Ali Agha’s addition is a great boost for us,” Hamza noted. “He strengthens our middle order and brings value with both bat and ball. He has the ability to play long innings as well as accelerate when needed.”
Commenting on the challenging weather conditions, Hamza emphasized the need for adaptability.
“Weather always plays a role, and as players, we have to adjust to every situation,” he said. “Day games are particularly challenging due to the heat, which is why we prioritized match practice over net sessions, to help the players get used to match conditions and adapt better.”