England batsman Dawid Malan is looking forward to joining Islamabad United for this year's edition of the Pakistan Super League.
Malan played one T20I during England's recent limited-overs series in South Africa. He will soon join fellow Englishman Phil Salt, New Zealander Colin Munro and others in the PSL.
Islamabad United are priced at 1.80 by bet365 to beat the reigning champions Quetta Gladiators in the opening match of the 2020 PSL.
“It is a quick turnaround for me. After a short stop at home I am now in Pakistan ready to play for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League, a tournament that I think is great fun,” Malan wrote in a column for Sky Sports.
“The PSL bowling attacks are a great standard, with excellent pace bowlers and spinners, so it always presents a great challenge.”
The PSL will be hosted entirely in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi this year. Last year's edition was shared with the United Arab Emirates.
“Because the whole competition is being held in Pakistan there will be a hell of a lot more attention on it so if I do play I am looking forward to playing in front of 30 or 40,000 people,” added Malan.
“Pakistan fans are some of the most passionate I have played in front of. They have been starved of cricket of late in their country due to circumstances they can't control and to be able to watch these big names live, not just on the television, will be great for them.
“The security in Pakistan is phenomenal and I cannot see any reason why cricket can't go back there on a regular basis.”
Malan with Steyn
Malan will be joined by South African fast bowler Dale Steyn at Islamabad United. They were team-mates at the Cape Town Blitz during the 2018 Mzansi Super League.
“I mentioned in last week's column how much I enjoyed playing with Dale in the Mzansi Super League and we are now in the same PSL franchise, too. A lot of people on the outside look at these tournaments and say it is all about the money but, for me, the amount of learning you can do is the best thing,” he concluded.
“To be able to rub shoulders with these sorts of guys, seeing how they prepare, how they train, is invaluable. It helps you become a better player.”
