RAWALPINDI: Former Pakistan captain and renowned commentator Ramiz Raja wants budding pacer Hunain Shah, who is the younger brother of Naseem Shah, to play for another franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) instead of Islamabad United. All three Shah brothers – Naseem, Hunain, Ubaid – are part of the PSL 9 United team. During the match against Karachi Kings at Pindi Cricket Stadium, the former PCB chairman said that it is better for Hunain to get out of Naseem’s shadow.
“It’s good for Hunain to play for another franchise because there’s so much spoon-feeding going on and because [Naseem] is such a pillar of this family, a superstar of Pakistan cricket. You’re going to be pushed in your approach to the game,” he said. “You are afraid that you would not be as good as your brother, it is better for him to feel completely relaxed and better to serve without Naseem’s shadow,” he added. Hunain has a decent PSL 9 so far.
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He has so many wickets at an economy rate of 8.63 in six matches. Meanwhile, in the 24th match between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United, Kieron Pollard played a key role in guiding the Kings to a competitive total of 150/7 in 20 overs. After a shaky start when skipper Shan Masood was dismissed early in the innings, Pollard’s resilient innings of 39 runs off 28 deliveries became the cornerstone of Karachi Kings’ recovery.
Combining with James Vince, the pair built a significant partnership for the fifth wicket and added 58 runs before Vince’s departure in the 14th over. Despite Pollard’s eventual dismissal in the 18th match, he became the top scorer. Tymal Mills was the outstanding bowler for Islamabad United, taking 3/34, while Faheem Ashraf contributed two wickets for 16 runs.
