Before making the inaugural entry in the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) professional domestic Twenty20 competition, the fresh entrant in the former of Multan Sultans has had availed the services of former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik followed by Windies star all-rounder Kieron Pollard under the platinum category.
The franchise was formed on June 1 earlier this year and legendary bowler Wasim Akram was appointed as the Team Director.
In the six-team tournament of PSL, the Sultans have already availed the services of experienced campaigner and former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara under the diamond category alongside Pakistan’s bowling all-rounder Sohail Tanvir.
Pertinently, the veteran of gentleman’s game Sangakkara will also work as a mentor for the teammates.
The former Pakistan skipper Akram has lavished praise on Sangakkara while adding he has been significant with the bat as always and latter’s induction would be a major boost for the side.
“His presence will provide an excellent learning experience for the youngsters who will have the privilege of sharing the dressing room with him,” Akram maintained.
The former Australia cricketer Tom Moody was already roped in as the chief coach for the 2018 edition.
The Sultans’ management revealed with the snapping up of both the promising all-rounders while having the quality experience on their backs which would eventually bring desired results for the PSL franchise.
“The inclusion of Shoaib Malik to our unit gives us a great edge, as he brings along with him rich T20 cricket experience,” Multan Sultans President Asher Schon was quoted as saying by GeoTV.
On the basis of pre-draft selection process, Sultans picked nine players out of four different categories proposed for the competition.
(Read Also: PSL: Chris Gayle, Kumar Sangakkara Released by Karachi Kings)
Schon further remarked Malik is a strong force to reckon in the shorter version of the game, as the latter has been the part of different professional leagues across the globe.
“Since he has been featuring in almost every top T20 league around the globe, he will have a crucial role to play,” Schon added.
In the first two editions, Malik was the part of Karachi Kings, as the trading and retention window has further allowed the franchises to retain the players from four distinct categories.
Moreover, the newest side Sultans picked lanky fast bowler Mohammad Irfan and death-bowling specialist in its Gold category owing to the pace and bounce which further could prove beneficial for the side.
While paving the way for the different outlets, the teams could so much so retain three players from the silver category.
Moreover, in the silver category Sultans picked batsman Sohaib Maqsood followed by all-rounder Kashif Bhatti and unknown commodity Irfan Khan, who is a leg-spinner.
The third edition of the PSL is expected to kick off in February 2018 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE.