West Indies batting great Viv Richards, who is working as the mentor of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators, has expressed the league is a good thing for Pakistan even after being hit by the corruption controversy. He feels the Twenty20 league has brought excitement for the expats in the United Arab Emirates before saying the final in Lahore would set the tone for international cricket to return back to Pakistan.
“I would like to think that the PSL is back on track now. As with anything in life, there are always ups and downs and minor mishaps. But the good news is that due to the excellent and early decisions made by those in-charge of this tournament, it has taken away all the doubts which may have been in existence and I, for one, am extremely happy for that outcome,” Richards told PakPassion.net.
The destructive batsman Richards praised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their efforts after corruption allegations took the PSL league by storm.
“Holding the final in Lahore would be a great thing for Pakistan cricket. Such a game will go a long way in generating and rejuvenating interest in the game in Pakistan,” Richards further said.
Meanwhile, Richards termed Imran Khan as one of his toughest opponents during his international career.
Richards, who made his international debut in 1974, was a batting dominant against top-class bowlers, but found it difficult to get going against Imran Khan.
“In my mind, Imran Khan is one of the best that I have ever faced in terms of all-round ability at that time. We had the likes of Kapil Dev and Ian Botham around at that time but I felt that Imran was the best opponent,” Richard said on Imran.
The former right-handed batsman Richards said wicket-keeper batsman and Pakistan limited-overs’ skipper Sarfraz Ahmed is the best bet to do justice with the position as he is a great ‘motivator’.
“He [Sarfraz] is a great motivator and very animated which is what you need from your leader and he seems to have all the attributes to fill that role and do justice to that position,” Richards added.
The Antigua-born 64-year-old Viv also reiterated the fact that Ahmed Shehzad is capable enough to make a comeback in the national side.
“I have been following Ahmed Shehzad’s progress for a few years now, even before he got a contract with the Gladiators. I have always been very impressed with his skills and I feel that there is a natural abundance of talent in him,” Richards remarked.
“I feel privileged to be in a position like this and for that I must thank the owner of the Quetta Gladiators, Mr. Nadeem Omar and his associates for getting me on board to be part of a wonderful bunch of individuals,” Richards remarked.
Richards also lauded the bench strength of Gladiators’ before saying it’s his duty to impart knowledge among the promising prospects.
“In modern day cricket, regardless of the talent of individuals, it is about the mental side of things which is where I am happy to impart my knowledge as I do feel that was the best part of my game,” Richards concluded.
While flaying the best of the pace bowling attacks, Richards smashed 35 centuries and 90 half-centuries in Tests and One-Day Internationals.