KARACHI: Former England cricketer and Multan Sultans spin bowling coach Alex Hartley is breaking barriers in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9. Initially apprehensive about cultural acceptance, Hartley found herself warmly embraced by the fraternity of Multan sultans. “Everyone is welcome and understanding. Ali (Tareen, owner of the franchise) broke the boundaries.
When he called me and said I need you in Multan Sultans, I just couldn’t say no. It’s so much more than cricket,” said Hartley. Upon her arrival, she was introduced as the bowling coach at a team meeting led by Ali, who immediately made her feel at home. “As soon as I arrived we had a team meeting. Ali sat everyone down and said this is your bowling coach, this is your fielding coach blah blah.
I felt at home straight away,” she added. Although you don’t speak Hindi or Urdu yet, communication is not a problem thanks to the interpreter. However, Hartley acknowledges the importance of learning a few words of local languages.
“I have to learn at least a few words of Hindi and Urdu,” she said. Hartley also highlighted the dedication of Usama Mir, who has worked diligently on his game to address weaknesses. “I think he (Usama) worked very hard before the competition. He reflected on the World Cup.
He came and immediately told us to look at where he was leaking runs and this is where he wanted to improve,” she said. Hartley, who remains a stalwart for women’s cricket, envisions wider platforms such as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) gaining more prominence. “It’s probably one of the best tournaments in the world after The Hundred, only played in Bengaluru and Delhi. That’s a lot of games. Showing women’s cricket is open to all. I would love to see WPL expand,” she concluded.
