Hasnain, Haris Rauf future stars of Pakistan: Alan Wilkins

ABU DHABI: Former county cricketer and renowned commentator Alan Wilkins have said that the Pakistan Super League is a top quality league and everyone talks high of the bowling standards in the Pakistan Super League.

Talking to Geo in Abu Dhabi, the former Glamorgan Cricketer praised Lahore Qalandars player development program and termed it a guide for other franchises to work for the development of young talent.

“Every year it tells us how strong it is,” Wilkins said when asked about how far the league has come since its inception.

“When you talk to some of the batsmen, especially the overseas batsmen who have come here, each and everyone has talked about the quality and the depth of the bowling,” the 65-year-old cricket commentator said.

“It’s very instructional to me that this is a very high-quality league. The bowling, the strength in bowling depth in each of the franchises,” he said

Talking about how the fourth edition has provided young talent to Pakistan, Wilkins names two fast bowlers Hasnain and Haris Rauf as a future prospect.

“This year, we have unearthed two fast bowlers, Mohammad Hasnain for Quetta Gladiators and Haris Rauf for Lahore Qalandars and they are to me the two stars of the future. And, if each year out of the emerging player's bracket we can do that (bringing new talent) it’s a great plus for the PSL,” Alan Wilkins said.

He also praised the player development program by Lahore Qalandars and said that such programs can help Pakistan bring all the talented players to the limelight.

“I think Lahore Qalandars development program is fantastic. I have spoken to Rana family about it, I have seen videos of it, I think it’s exceptional. I think if all franchises can follow that as a template for developing talent in Pakistan then you can just fill the cupboard full of enterprising young players,” he said.

He also highlighted how sharing a dressing room with legends of the game is helping youngsters grow and learn and its a plus for the league.

“In any walk of life if you work alongside somebody who has got a great reputation, who’s already qualified and done something special it absolutely rubs off on you. For young Cricketers to mix with some of these greats like Shan Watson or AB de Villiers it’s going to give lots of plus,” the renowned commentator said.

Wilkins, who has played an important role in making PSL games exciting with his voice and analysis from the commentary box, said that he’s looking forward to visiting Pakistan once again.

“I had a great time last year in Karachi and Lahore, unfortunately, it’s not Lahore this time but Karachi it is. I’m very much looking forward to it. The tournament will gain the momentum by having the last stretch of the tournament and playoffs in Pakistan. It’s going to be fantastic,” he concluded.