Hashim Amla looking forward to play in Pakistan; wants Test cricket to come back to the nation

The 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League (fifth season) is expected to be a glitzy affair with the who’s who of world cricket set to take center stage in the franchise-based tournament. The draft for the 2020 season is set to be a grand affair on December 6 and 7 with the likes of Dale Steyn, Jason Roy, Hashim Amla having thrown their hat into the ring.

One of the names to look out- if he gets selected in the draft- will be former South African great Hashim Amla. Amla, who is the fastest to notch up each 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI runs, was one of the cornerstones of the erstwhile golden era of South African cricket. The right-hander retired from all forms of international cricket after enduring an underwhelming World Cup campaign in what eventually turned out to be a disastrous tournament for the Proteas, and is now looking to throw his hat in the ring in franchise cricket.

For Amla, selection in a PSL franchise could be an important milestone and the right-hander is looking forward to playing in the Twenty20 tournament in front of cricket crazy fans of Pakistan. The former mercurial batsman racked up 9,282 Test runs in 124 outings and 8113 runs in 50-over cricket at an average of 46.41 and 49.47 respectively. He has played in franchise tournaments all over the world barring the PSL.

“If the opportunity arises, I am really looking forward to taking part in the PSL and am really excited about that prospect. During my time as a South Africa player, I did not get the opportunity to play for a PSL side due to my international commitments but now to get a chance to play in this tournament will be great,” Amla said to Pak Passion.

‘Playing in Pakistan will be a great honor for me’- Hashim Amla

Amla, who last visited Pakistan with the World XI side, first toured the terror-ravaged nation back in 2007 during the South African tour and had the first-hand experience of the amount of love that the people in the country in Pakistan have for the game. Amla dwelt on the memories while also hoping that Test cricket comes back to Pakistan. Amla also wished to play in front of packed stadiums in Pakistan if he gets selected in the PSL draft.

“Playing in Pakistan will be a great honor for me as I have been there a few times in the past. My first visit was in 2007 when I toured the country with the South African team and then I was part of the World XI tour of Pakistan which happened about two years ago. I really enjoyed all those occasions and obviously Pakistanis went out of their way to welcome us there.

What became clear to me each time I have visited Pakistan is how much Pakistanis love their cricket and it also shows us how much cricket means to them, and why they want Test cricket to come back to their country. This is also why I will be hoping that I get another chance to play in front of Pakistani crowds if I am selected for one of the PSL sides.” Amla said.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is set to become the first team to tour Pakistan for a Test series since 2009. The first Test will be played at Rawalpindi from 11th December while the second will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi from December 19th.

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