Four years since its inception and Pakistan Super League (PSL) is already ranked as one of the best T20 leagues in the world.
The PSL 2019 is all set to begin from 14th February in Dubai. Major cricketing stars such as Shane Watson, AB de Villiers and Colin Munro are all going to be part of the star-studded tournament.
However, did you know that two Turkish players will also be amongst the stars who feature in PSL 2019? Yes, you read it right!
The owner Peshawar Zalmi, Javed Khan Afridi, has announced that he has included two players from Turkey in his squad for PSL 2019.
Afridi took to Twitter to make this announcement.
“Applaud the vision of @ImranKhanPTI who aims to develop good relations with Turkey. This year, we are taking 2 Turkish Cricketers who will be part of the @PeshawarZalmi squad for @thePSLt20,” he tweeted.
Applaud the vision of @ImranKhanPTI who aims to develop good relations with Turkey. This year, we are taking 2 Turkish Cricketers who will be part of the @PeshawarZalmi squad for @thePSLt20. pic.twitter.com/31Ww6J31jE
— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) January 24, 2019
Javed Afridi termed the inclusion of Turkish players in PSL as an extension of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s efforts to develop brotherly relations with the Muslim country.
Both players were picked during Zalmi Foundation’s camp in Ankara.
“Ankara Kriket Sports Külübü Derneği conducted a cricket camp with the help of Zalm Foundation in which aspiring cricketers were invited from all across the country. Peshawar Zalmi aims to promote cricket in Turkey by developing a strategy with Ankara Sports Clubs Association,” he said.
Ankara Kriket Sport Külübü Derneği conducted a cricket camp with the help of @FoundationZalmi in which aspiring cricketers were invited from all across the country. @PeshawarZalmi aims to promote cricket in Turkey by developing a strategy with Ankara Sports Clubs Association. pic.twitter.com/ri1QxHa32W
— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) January 24, 2019
Zalmi’s move was warmly welcomed by the Turkish ambassador in Islamabad, Mustafa Yurdakul, who said the cricket fever in Turkey was on the rise.
Interest in #Cricket is growing slowly but concretely in 🇹🇷 thanks to our fruitful cooperation with @JAfridi10 & @PeshawarZalmi #PSL pic.twitter.com/JfcRUL3YnP
— 🇹🇷 Mustafa Yurdakul/مصطفی 🌞 (@Mustafa_MFA) January 24, 2019
This is not the first time Peshawar Zalmi has introduced cricket to non-cricket-playing nations. Last year, two players from China also traveled with the Zalmi squad.
Last Year Two Chines Was the Part of PZ Team :
Par Unko Khilaya He Nahi