Cricket

Amir to bring class to Gladiators, says Viv Richards

By our correspondent
LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators mentor and cricket legend Viv Rochards on Saturday conceded that the seasoned left-armer Mohammad Amir will bring a lot of ‘class’ to the Gladiators in the HBL PSL 9.
“These are individuals which I would have admired over the years. Before that Amir was with Karachi and he is with us now. I am very much excited. I have a lot of respect for him as an individual. I think he would bring a lot of class to the Quetta Gladiators,” Richards told reporters here on the sideline of the Quetta Gladiators training session here at the LCCA Ground.
“You know people move around a lot. It’s part of the franchise cricket. We are happy that we have someone like Amir who is experienced because he brings a lot. He is a magnificent bowler. I don’t know whether he would be as quick as Naseem Shah. For sure he will bring a lot of experience into the side,” Richards said.
Richards said that Quetta Gladiators former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed was now a relaxed man after Rilee Rossouw was made captain and he now expects a lot from Saifi with the willow in this season.
“To be fair I am very pleased and excited. I saw all the players here. Everyone knows that I am the big fan of Saifi,” Richards said.
“And Saifi (Sarfraz) I know for sure he was in a lot of pressure in my opinion. I believe now there is a new captain and it will work for Sarfraz. He is now a relaxed man and there is no such pressure on him. The only thing that I said to him to show with the bat. I believe if the things went well so I hope Saifi could have a very good tournament,” Richards said.
Asked what impact Shan Watson (coach) and Rilee Rossouw (captain) will leave on Gladiators this season Richards said it was nice to try new things.
“I guess there was no success during the last few years and so it was nice to try new things,” said Richards, former West Indies captain. “Nothing is wrong to try new things especially when you don’t have the success which you crave for but in the end of the day, I believe it’s a good team. We are a well-gelled unit, the team full of talent and it’s all. And on a day if these individuals can bring into practice all which they have I hope they can add a bit to the Quetta Gladiators as well,” Richards said.
Following three bad years Quetta Gladiators think tanks made changes this season in the Gladiators management.
They brought in former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as head coach in place of Moin Khan who has been elevated to the post of Team Director and Sarfaraz, who captained Gladiators for the last eight editions, was replaced by Rilee Rossouw, the left-handed South African batsman.
Richards was very happy with his reunion with Gladiators and wants to keep the association with the franchise as long as possible.
“It’s great to be back,” Richards said.
“I would have missed the last few years and its great to be back and see my all friends again and hope in the years to come and Quetta Gladiators may be represented in the best way possible,” Richards signed off.
Quetta Gladiators, the 2019 edition champions, will face the 2017 edition winners Peshawar Zalmi in their opener here at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Sunday (today) in a day game.

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