Dubai: Waqar Younis, the legendary Pakistan paceman, feels that Pakistan Super League (PSL) should be completely held in Pakistan from next year.
Speaking to Gulf News, Younis, who is here as director and bowling coach of the Islamabad United team, said: “Things have definitely improved in Pakistan and hopefully PSL should be going back to Pakistan by next year. This year, we are already staging a few games there.”
Younis, a former coach of Pakistan national team, is enjoying his new coaching role.
When asked as to how different is coaching a Twenty20 league team from a national team, Younis said: “Of course different, probably less pressure because it gives me a bit more time to work with the youngsters and also get to know the PSL. It is very enjoyable and also PSL is getting better.”
Younis is now guiding cricketers from different countries, players who are experts in Twenty20 format. “It is good fun. It is easier because they are all very professional. They all get paid heavily, they come here to do the job and our job is to get the best out of them.
“There is less pressure coaching a league team because there are lot of overseas players and you know they are good enough and they know how to do their job. Most overseas players that come here play only T20 cricket. They play around the world, they know their job they know their roles, so it is easy. When we coach an international side or Pakistan or any other country, I think there is lot more pressure from the nation, the cricket board and media.”
Interestingly, Younis has even played with some of the star cricketers in this league. “I have played with most of them and I know them. I have also been in the coaching circuit for long now. I have worked in the different leagues and hence I don’t see any problem with it. You have to comfort them at times and you got to push them at times. There are things we need to do to get the best out of them,” said Younis, who is also among the best commentators in the world.
Asked about the impact of PSL on Pakistan cricket, he said: “From the Twenty20 cricket point of you it is good. We have seen some youngsters coming through this event. But when you look at the longer version or One Day International format, I think we are behind when compared with other teams around the world.
“This can be only be fixed either by having a PSL of 50-over cricket where all the international cricketers come and play or they must fix their domestic first class cricket. I think first class cricket need to be looked into seriously. It is all goody when PSL happens and we all enjoy it and we see the talent coming through but the domestic first class should also improve if you need to improve your One day and Test match performances.”
Injuries to key players have hit Islamabad team but Younis do not want to worry over it. “Injuries are bound to happen because it is a very fast flowing game and so injuries are bound to be there. Franchises carry more players and each team have 21 players, so there will always be a replacement for every spot. I don’t think we are going to suffer that much. Rumman Raees and Andre Russell, they were the main players we have lost but still we are hopeful that the boys who haven’t played are waiting for their turns and I am sure they will deliver.”
Talking about Islamabad as a squad, Younis said: “I have a wonderful team, not only the playing eleven even but the support staff and management too. I think we are blessed with very good people as owners of this franchise. Though they have won PSL only once and they don’t interfere with the team.”
