KARACHI: Amir Ali, the first-ever Sindhi player to be selected for Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) upcoming fifth season, says he is confident to make a distinct place in the national T-20 series.

“I am the first Sindhi player who is playing PSL for which I am thankful to Javed Afridi (the owner of Zalmi) who picked me in his team,” Ali told Arab News in an interview in Karachi on Wednesday. 

“I will avail this opportunity and give my best so that other Sindhi players may come ahead and get a chance,” said Ali who had previously performed well in under 19.

Ali is one of the 19 cricketers selected in different categories by the Peshawar Zalmi, one of the highly cheered teams for the PSL5, which is kicking off in Karachi on Thursday.
In the opening ceremony, around 350 artists from different music genres will perform, followed by a contest between the defending champion Quetta Gladiators and twice former champions Islamabad United. Peshawar Zalmi has lifted the PSL trophy once and was a runner-up in two other seasons.

Ali’s team — the Peshawar Zalmi — will play its first match in a face-off with Karachi Kings at the national stadium in Karachi on Friday.

When asked how does he feel over getting selected by a team other than his “home-side” — the Karachi Kings (KK) — he said: “I am from Sindh but the one who (Peshawar Zalmi) liked me, picked me for the team.”

Talking about his aspirations to join the national team, he said: “It’s not that if there are good blowers in the team, I cannot make a place in the national team.” “The one who will perform after getting the opportunity will go ahead.”

Ali said that the entire country was happy to have all the PSL5 matches played inside Pakistan. “We, the cricketers, are even happier and will play well before our home crowd.”
He said that he was learning from Hashim Amla, the South African cricketer, his team’s mentor, and other senior players. “Bowling coach, Muhammad Akram, has given me good confidence,” he said.

“This is my first season. I’ll try to perform well so that I may play for Pakistan.” Ali said.