Former South African international cricketer Hashim Amla has joined the Peshawar Zalmi as a batting mentor ahead of this year's Pakistan Super League.
Amla retired from playing Test, ODI and T20I cricket last year – and has since represented the Karnataka Tuskers in the Abu Dhabi T10, Falcon Hunters in the Qatar T10 League and Khulna Tigers in the Bangladesh Premier League.
The veteran right-hander also worked with the Cape Town Blitz as a batting consultant during South Africa's Mzansi Super League late last year.
What was said about Amla
“His gracious presence in the PSL 5 festivity will not only adorn the Zalmi dugout but also inspire and craft the cricket skills of the emerging players in the squad,” said Zalmi franchise owner Javed Afridi.
Amla will work with former West Indies captain and fellow Zalmi mentor Darren Sammy, alongside head coach Mohammad Akram, manager Arshad Khan and spin-bowling coach Saqlain Mushtaq.
Peshawar reached the PSL final in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The won it in 2017.
They will have England trio Tom Banton, Liam Livingstone and Liam Dawson this season. Banton recently played for the Brisbane Heat in Australia's Big Bash League and has been recruited by the Kolkata Knight Riders for the Indian Premier League later this year. Bet365 have Kolkata priced at 8.00 to win the 2020 IPL. Banton, meanwhile, is currently with the England ODI squad in South Africa.
“I just think this last year has been a whirlwind. I was in Perth last year playing first grade for South Perth and I think I averaged 10 across all cricket. I wasn't really sure if I was enjoying it that much, which was a bit of a shame,” said Banton.
“I'd open and seem to get out in the first two overs, and then not do a lot for about a month or so. But definitely I'd like to play Test cricket. I'll just take it day by day and see how it goes.”
Zalmi will also have South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard and other talent for the 2020 PSL. England pair Chris Jordan and Dawid Malan previously play for Peshawar.
