Shadab wants discipline from his players
By our correspondent
LAHORE: Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan on Friday said that they will have to show more discipline off the field if they are to achieve their goals in the ninth edition of the HBL PSL which will kick off here at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Saturday (today) with United taking on Lahore Qalandars.
“Last year too we did not play bad cricket but we could not handle the pressure. There were injuries to our several players and it means that we did not observe more discipline off the field. This time we will try our level best to observe more discipline off the pitch besides putting in our best on the field in order to achieve the desired results,” Shadab told a pre-match news conference on Friday.
“You know the PSL’s schedule is so tight and here you cannot find enough time for recovery so we will have to be more disciplined off the pitch,” said Shadab, the country’s star all-rounder.
About their Friday’s game against Lahore Qalandars Shadab said that Qalandars are definitely strong side.
“There is no doubt about it that Qalandars’ growth is fairly good as a team and they will also have a home advantage. But you know on papers all teams are good but the outfits which put in their best on a given day produce result,” Shadab said.
He said every match of the PSL is tough.
“You know pressure is always there. You play in front of your families and friends. We will try to keep the things simple and go ball to ball. The way Lahore Qalandars have improved I hope it will be an interesting game. The team which will go with a better plan will succeed,” Shadab said.
Shadab said that all-rounders are very important in T20 cricket.
“In T20 cricket allrounders play a very important role. Allrounders also have advantage as if you don’t click in bowling then you have the chance to prove yourself in batting,” Shadab said.
Asked that he faced huge criticism after having failed to deliver as an allrounder in his recent international stints Shadab said it was natural.
“That criticism was hundred percent valid. If you don’t perform then you will face criticism but I have come with a better mindset in the PSL and will stage a comeback,” said Shadab.
Shadab said that their middle order is very strong.
“Our middle order is too strong. We don’t rely on a single player. On paper our all bases are covered but it will be seen when we will take the field,” Shadab said.
He said that with the return of Tymal Mills United’s death bowling has got stronger.
“Tymal Mills is a fine bowler and his presence has boosted our death bowling and I hope he along with Naseem Shah will deliver in the death overs,” Shadab said.
About Naseem Shah Shadab said that he looks in better shape.
“He looks super fit and we hope he delivers in the season but you know it is not easy for any player to make a sharp comeback after injury. There are two things. Naseem may click from the start or he may take some time and as a nation we also will need to be patient and understand these things. Look, I went to the ILT T20 to check how the body responds and we will need to know about these realities,” Shadab observed.