Corey Anderson aims to make Lahore champions

New Zealander says leagues like Pakistan Super League provide youngsters a good chance of learning and maturing

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New Zealander Corey Anderson says leagues like Pakistan Super League provide youngsters a good chance of learning and maturing.

DUBAI: New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson has aimed to play an important role for Lahore Qalandars in their campaign for the Pakistan Super League 4 title.

Speaking to Geo.tv in Dubai, the New Zealand player said that leagues like PSL provide youngsters a good chance of learning and maturing.

The 28-year-old, who broke the long-standing record of the fastest ODI hundred by Pakistan's Shahid Afridi in 2014 when he completed three-figure off 36 balls, is playing for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL.

Anderson is hopeful to deliver for Lahore, who finished fifth and last in the first two editions and sixth and last in 2018.

"The aim is to win the PSL for Lahore and that's the number one goal and other than that is to do something for the team," said Anderson.

"If I play the rest of the games, hopefully, I can do something and win games for us. But if not, I am on the sidelines, and I can do whatever I can to help out and get us to that ultimate goal of winning," he added.

Talking about his experience of playing in the Pakistan Super League, Anderson said he enjoys being a part of this league.

"It's been fantastic. Obviously, we want more wins. Everyone is welcoming coming into the group. It's nice to play with some players against whom I have played at international level and then rub shoulders with guys like AB…it’s fantastic."

The flamboyant player from New Zealand added that Pakistan Super League is a top-level competition and a massive opportunity for the youngsters participating in the tournament.

"It is of a very high level," he said when asked about how he rates the competition level in PSL.

"The Pakistan guys are at high level and it’s a fantastic competition. The level of the overseas guys is also high as I have said that there is AB. To have all these players in the camp, it becomes a quality competition," he added.

Asked about the contribution PSL is making in helping groom youngsters, Anderson said that rubbing shoulders with top quality players is always helpful for aspiring players.

"I know when I was starting it was the evolution of the IPL. For young guys to go through the system of T20 cricket is great. To train with the great players and then play cricket with them is the quality you want," he said.

Anderson further added that Twenty20 leagues like PSL are rewarding and a learning process for even players like him. He also lauded the player development program of Lahore Qalandars of which Haris Rauf, his teammate, is a find.

"It's extremely great and to play with extremely high level players is massive. It’s been a great opportunity to just be in the environment, learn and train in different facilities and fast track things and to train with young players is massive," he said.

"You can see some young talent on show, the likes of Haris Rauf, Lahore's newest pace sensation, who has come through leaps and bounds. Had seen him last year in the PSL and obviously been involved with them this year and seen him how he is progressing…it's fantastic," Andersen added.

Recalling the memories of his fastest hundred, Anderson said he did not know of the feat until it was announced.

"I didn't know I had broken a record until the time it was announced. But that was fantastic and that was a great day and pushed me into a bit of limelight and all of a sudden, the rest was history," the New Zealand batsman added.

"I played numerous competitions and all places around the world. It was fantastic and it’s nice to be able to come to this kind of competition, share my experiences and theirs, and listen to their stories and its fantastic," he said.

When asked if his fans should expect one of such innings from him during the ongoing PSL, he replied positively.

"Hopefully, I could do that every time," he concluded.