Future looks bright for PSL, says Bopara

Bopara has been the key player for KarachI.

The success of any tournament is measured by the feedback from foreign players. Pakistan Super League has attracted a number of top overseas players and they feel proud to be part this event. Players like Ravi Bopara, Shakibal Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Kevin Pietersen lived up to their reputation by lighting up the inaugural season of the PSL. Despite initial doubts, the PSL seems to be a big success so far.
Ravi Bopara is one of the overseas players who has performed well in the tournament and helped Karachi win a couple of close games. Talking to Khaleej Times at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday he said: "The future looks bright for the PSL and it has been a brilliant tournament so far. All the international players whom I have spoken to are more than happy to be part of this event.
"I don't know where this tournament will be held over the next few years but I love being here and hope to be part of the PSL in future."
When asked about his performance so far in the tournament, Bopara said: "On a personal note it might be OK but as far as our team is concerned we could have done better. We have won two games out of five but we could have easily bagged four victories. But the opponents have realised that we have got a very good team and a dangerous one."
Bopara's all-round performance might also be a reminder for England selectors. He failed to win a place in the team for the World T20 to be held in India next month despite scoring 71 not out and grabbing six wickets to fire Karachi to a comfortable victory over struggling Lahore. "It is never late to perform and win games for your team. I have no regrets over missing the bus for World T20. Right now I am playing for Karachi and I am really focused to do my job and win the games for my team."
All-rounders play a key role in teams' performance and with more options in the bowling have an edge over the opponents. "I believe that every batsman should try his hand at bowling. T20 needs three-dimensional players (batting, fielding and bowling) and everybody should try to bowl. We don't need specialists and if somebody can bowl medium pacers with control, it will help a lot. Now-a-days spinners are being hammered in the T20s because batting has improved immensely."
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com