Karachi Kings, a blend of young and exciting cricketers

December 7, 2019

The most followed franchise of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Karachi Kings, satisfied their fans by picking up a balanced combination of young, exciting national and international cricketers.

With the presence of one of the best all-rounders in the world in shorter format Imad Wasim and National team’s skipper in T20Is Babar Azam, Kings look more composed and formidable.

Induction of left-handed hard-hitting batsman Sharjeel Khan has set-up high hopes for the fans to see Babar and Sharjeel opening the inning for Kings in the upcoming fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), scheduled from February 20 to March 22 in Pakistan.

England’s Alex Hales and Cameron Delport from South Africa are icing on the cake as both the batsman come up with the immense experience of playing league cricket around the world. They both can be a handy option for Kings in the mega event.

Let’s have a statistical review of the Kings:

Imad Wasim (C) (All-rounder): 

Kings’ retained skipper Imad Wasim will look different this time around as the left-handed batsman has improved his batting down the order. His power-hitting ability moves him to the forefront. He has scored 1497 runs in 166 T20s at an average of 18.03.

Apart from batting, Imad would surely be up to show the magic with the new ball. He has a decent track record of picking up 148 wickets in as many T20s he played since his debut in 2006.

Imad has recently led Northern to National T20 Cup 2019 title which makes him a strong candidate to lead his side from the front.

Babar Azam (VC) (Right-handed batsman):

A young 25-years-old Babar when plays his cover drive, makes everyone a fan of him. The number one T20I batsman and national team’s captain in the shorter format, run-machine Babar, is phenomenal on the crease and has tumbled the records of this game’s greats in such an earlier stage of his career.

Babar has played 130 T20s since his debut and has scored 4450 runs at an average of 42.38. His retention in the Kings’ squad was expected as usual.

Sharjeel Khan (Left-handed batsman):

You can’t keep Sharjeel out of the game on his day because he can thrash opponents without even having a little sympathy. He can change the game in the powerplay by playing fearlessly.

The left-handed opener has played 71 T20s in 1807 runs at an average of 26.57. You might call him the most awaited player for this season.

Awais Zia (Left-handed batsman):

Awais Zia has been picked up once again by the Kings following his splendid form in the recently concluded National T20 Cup 2019. He finished as a top-scorer with 276 runs in the tournament.

He has 1793 runs in 79 matches at an average of 23.59. His power-hitting ability makes him one of the strongest picks for Kings.

Alex Hales (Right-handed batsman):

England’s Alex Hales adds another strong option to Kings’ batting line for the mega event. Switched from Islamabad United to Kings, Hales brings a lot of confidence in Kings as they look to put up a formidable show with the bat.

Hales has played 234 T20s and scored 6334 runs at an average of 29.18. He has the highest T20 score of 116 runs.

Mohammad Rizwan (WK/Right-handed batsman):

The newly appointed vice-captain of the national team in T20Is and Tests, Rizwan is more likely to keep the stumps for Kings and can be a good option to deepen the batting line.

He has 1507 runs in 95 T20 contests. He played with an average of 28.43 and has 70 as the highest score in the format.

Dan Lawrence:

Dan Lawrence, an English cricketer, is et-up to make his debut in the only cricketing league of Pakistan. He brings in the experience of 51 T20s in which he has scored 1086 runs at an average of 27.15.

Cameron Delport (All-rounder):

Cameron Delport, a British-South African cricketer, is an all-rounder who can provide Kings enough space to firepower opponents. He can hit the ball hard and can pick up wickets to lead the charge with his medium-pace bowling.

Delport has a vast experience of playing cricket league around the world and knows how to tackle the ups and downs of this franchise-based cricket leagues. He is yet another switch from Islamabad United who has played 217 matches and scored 5146 runs at an average of 26.25.

Iftikhar Ahmed (All-rounder):

The rising T20I player Iftikhar Ahmed was one of the clever retentions by the Kings as he brings ample experience and strength to their batting line. He recently showed his class in Australia which might be a turning point for him.

He has been performing at the domestic level for quite a while as he has 1812 runs in 87 T20s. He has also taken 17 wickets in as many contests.

Amir Yamin (All-rounder):

An aspiring all-rounder from Multan Sultans Amir Yamin has been picked up by Kings once again. The right-hander can give his team support with both bowl and bat. His track record of 627 runs and 54 wickets in 70 T20s justifies his selection in Kings’ squad.

Umer Khan (Left-arm Orthodox):

Everyone’s favorite Umer Khan was retained by Kings in the emerging category due to his memorable performance in last year’s PSL. Known as ‘Giant-killer’ among fellow cricketers, Khan is once again ready to roar for Kings.

He takes a wicket after every 16.93 runs in T20s and has taken 16 wickets in 12 contests.

Mohammad Amir (Left-arm pacer):

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir will lead the pace attack of Kings as he has been with them since the first season. Amir is a clever bowler in the shorter format while having 169 wickets in 142 matches at an average of 21.00.

He took a hat-trick in the very season of the PSL and so is looking forward to leading the men in blue strongly.

Chris Jordan (Right-arm pacer):

Chris Jordan from England will make his debut for Kings in the upcoming fifth edition of the league. After contesting for Peshawar Zalmi earlier, Jordan will become a prime option for Kings in the pace bowling attack.

England’s pacer has 178 wickets in 167 matches and is known for his deadly death-overs spell.

Umaid Asif (Right-arm pacer):

Umaid Asif will also be leaving Peshawar Zalmi and will debut for Kings in this season. With 80 T20 wickets under his belt, Umaid is good to go option for Kings as he also knows how to ball with the new ball following his experience of leading the charge in domestic cricket.

Arshad Iqbal (Right-arm pacer):

18-years-old Arshad Iqbal comes in to gain experience with the most loved franchise in the league. He has got 10 T20 wickets in his account at an average of 17.00. He will get the game’s exposure while playing with international and national top-class players.

Ali Khan (Right-arm pacer):

Ali Khan will be the first cricketer from the USA to feature in the popular franchise cricket league of the world. He has only played an ODI this year and got one wicket in that match.

Liam Plunkett (Right-arm pacer):

Hailed from England, Liam Plunkett is yet another experienced contender in Kings’ bowling attack. He has the power to rattle opposition with his accurate line and length. He has 136 wickets in 148 matches at ana average of 20.20.

Usama Mir (Leg-Spinner):

The only leg-spinner in the squad Usama Mir will be looking forward to supporting Kings with his googlies, flippers and straighter ones. He has been a part Kings since the second edition and delivered for them whenever needed. He has taken 46 wickets in 50 T20s. He recently played an important role in Northern’s win in National T20 Cup 2nd XI.

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