PSL 2019: AB de Villiers delighted to be a part of Lahore Qalandars

Back in May this year, the cricketing world, especially South African cricket, was dealt with a massive blow when AB de Villiers decided to hang his boots from international cricket citing tiredness as a prime reason. Ever since, the Proteas are straining to find someone, who can fill his shoes in the middle-order. Meanwhile, the 34-year-old has recently made a return to the cricket pitch.

The experienced campaigner is leading his team, Tshwane Spartans in the inaugural edition of the Mzansi Super League (MSL). The Pretoria-born stalwart will then ply his trade for Lahore Qalandars in the fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is set to get underway on February 14. Recently, de Villiers expressed his eagerness to take part in the tournament.

“I’m very happy to be a part of Lahore Qalandars for next season of HBL PSL. The Qalandars are an impressive organisation with an excellent player development programme that bats well for the future. The squad looks strong and I’m excited to be playing my part,” the retired Proteas cricketer was quoted as saying in Geo TV.

A few changes for Qalandars

The Qalandars haven’t had a memorable journey in PSL’s history. They were led by Azhar Ali in the first edition and they finished as the cellar dweller. New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum captained the team in 2017 and 2018 respectively, yet they finished at the bottom of the table. The franchise has now parted ways with the Black Cap and has appointed Mohammad Hafeez as their new skipper.

As far as de Villiers is concerned, his team in the MSL is languishing at the bottom half of the table with two wins from six matches. With the willow in hand, he has been reasonable and has scored 148 runs at an average of 24.66 and strike-rate of 168.18. His only knock of substance, 59 from 30 balls, came against Cape Town Blitz last month.

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