PSL ideal platform for youngsters: Richards

Viv Richards is glad to have got a chance to work with Kevin Pietersen

Dubai - The presence of legends like Vivian Richards makes it more attractive.

By Liaqat Ali

Published: Wed 3 Feb 2016, 7:37 PM

Pakistan Super League will provide Pakistani players an ideal opportunity to show their talent. They are known for playing aggressive cricket and there wouldn't be better occasion than the PSL to perform. The presence of legends like Vivian Richards makes it more attractive.
"I have always enjoyed playing against Pakistan because of their aggressive mindset. Even though West Indies have success against Pakistan but this was the only team in my time which created problems for us. It was always a challenge to play against them.
"This is an ideal opportunity for Pakistani youngsters to prove their mettle in the PSL. This pleasant weather of the UAE provides an opportunity to teams to entertain the fans with T20 brand of cricket," Richards who is part of Quetta Gladiators, said while talking to media at the ICC Cricket Academy.
When asked what is the key factor to succeed in T20 cricket, Richards said: "It is important to believe in yourself because if you don't believe in yourself nobody else will have faith in you.
"You can say T20 cricket is a lottery at times but it needs lot of focus because one over can change the complexion of the game. "There are so many good players here and they are fresh and young. Quetta Galdiators that is where my energies will be focused to whatever help that I can help make this franchise a success."
Richards, known for his aggressive batting, added: "Today's players are widely travelled guys and have experience of playing around the world.
"I feel myself privileged to be part of Quetta team which has players of Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright caliber. My first session with the team was wonderful and we hope to do well in the tournament."
When asked about the chances of the PSL success, Richards said: "I have involved in the top leagues of the world (Indian Premier League, Big Bash and Caribbean Premier League) and the PSL is a just an extension of that process. "This region has loads of talent and I don't find any reason the PSL is not going to succeed."
Richards hails cricketing infrastructure in the UAE as he said: "Credit of bringing cricket to the desert goes to one and only Abdul Rehman Bukhatir. I still have fond memories of playing at historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
"Sharjah was the first cricketing venue in the UAE, it still remains a major attraction.
"Now Dubai and Abu Dhabi have got world class facilities and that is the reason they attract top teams around the world."
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com