Multan Sultans rope in the services of South African fast bowler

Multan Sultans drafted in fast bowler Hardus Viljoen in their squad for the upcoming Pakistan Super League season. The right arm pacer was rewarded a place, probably owing to his performances in the recently concluded T10 League as well as the Ram Slam T20 Challenge. Viljoen made his Test debut for South Africa against England in 2016.

He got the lone wicket of former English captain Alastair Cook. However, by the end of the year, he signed a three year Kolpak deal with Derbyshire. This ended up putting a hold on a possible international career for him.

Hardus Viljoen is expected to share the dressing room with the likes of skipper Shoaib Malik, Kieron Pollard and the legendary Kumar Sangakkara. He may also have a friendly face in the Multan team with his Derbyshire teammate Imran Tahir also a part of the Multan Sultans.

A significant asset?

The 28-year-old would be a significant asset for the new franchise. His ability to bowl at a quick pace and trouble the batsmen with short stuff is bound to create pressure on the opposition. He alongside the trio of Junaid Khan, Mohammed Irfan and Umar Gul make a formidable pace attack for Multan.

The Pakistan Super League is supposed to commence on the 22nd of February. Multan Sultans will feature in the opening game against defending champions Peshawar Zalmi. The tournament is going to witness six teams play a double round robin format. The playoffs and final would be played in Lahore and Karachi respectively.

Viljoen took 14 wickets for Derbyshire during the Natwest T20 Blast last summer. He would be looking forward to replicate the same for Multan Sultans in the PSL. The quickster would be available for the entire PSL season before heading back to Derby. The domestic season is slated to begin from mid-April.

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