Darren Sammy has applied for Pakistan nationality, confirms Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi

The fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PCB) got underway on Friday with the defending champions Quetta Gladiators winning the opening game of the tournament by three wickets against the two-time champions Islamabad United.

This is the first time that the entire edition of the PSL is taking place in Pakistan and as many as 36 foreign players have already travelled to the country. PSL has come along and one of the cornerstones behind the tournament coming to Pakistan in its entirety– apart from the PCB– is Peshawar Zalmi and two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain Darren Sammy.

When no one was willing to come to Pakistan, Darren Sammy led the way by not only agreeing to play in the country but also led his side Peshawar Zalmi to title glory. And, it seems the West Indies international may soon become a Pakistani national.

Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi hailed Sammy as an integral part of the PSL while also revealing that the West Indian has applied for Pakistan nationality.

“We have requested for the honorary citizenship of Pakistan for Daren Sammy. The application is currently at President’s table. I request the PCB chairman to put in a good word for Sammy, so it can be approved. Sammy’s voice notes were too emotional for Pakistan when PCB was trying to hold the PSL season 2 finale in Lahore,” said Javed Afridi as quoted by cricketpakistan.com.pk.

Darren Sammy was one of the few overseas players to travel to Pakistan

And, as expected Darren Sammy is quite eager to participate in the PSL. He was the first overseas player to reach Pakistan to feature in the 5th edition. The Peshawar Zalmi captain was conferred with the iconic Kaptaan Chappal from Pakistan’s famous cobbler Nooruddin. “I want the PSL-5 to be the best out of all of them. As players and as fans let’s show the world how great it is to play cricket here,” said Darren Sammy.

“Its good to be here. I am the first one here. I am so excited about the tournament being here in Pakistan. Back in 2017 when the final was in Lahore it was a step to bring cricket back here and to have the entire tournament here,” said Darren Sammy.

Sammy added that he understands the pain that the Pakistani players and their fans have felt in all these years of wilderness. “I have said it before that all in my life I have been playing cricket away and at home. I see how the people at home love to see their stars and you know Pakistani players have missed that,” said Peshawar Zalmi skipper.

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