The newest franchise in the HBL PSL squad- Multan Sultans has a decent combination of young and veteran, local and international players. On top of all that, they possess the “Afridi Factor”. The Sultans’ owner Ali Tareen retained the most followed and loved cricketer of Pakistan, Shahid Afridi for the season five of PSL who was associated with them last year, after playing with Peshawar for two years and being part of the Kings’ squad for one year. His fan base follows him in whatever franchise he plays in and always charges the stadium with the “BOOM BOOM” chants. Having the predictably unpredictable cricketer like Afridi, the Sultans will receive an overwhelming crowd in Pakistan, particularly at their home –the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Multan Sultan’s have been on the road to redemption for two long seasons, and maybe the time for their glory has arrived.
Multan Sultan’s has the most experienced line up of them all. Their squad is filled with first class legends and one of the finest bowlers in the country.
The team is coached by Andy Flower; former Zimbabwe wicket-keeper for more than 10 years and statistically by far the finest batsman the country has produced. He was, as well, the former England cricket coach.
The squad is lead by cricketing superstar, Shahid Khan Afridi popularly known as Boom Boom. Afridi was the world record holder for the fastest ODI century in 37 deliveries and holds the distinction of having hit the most sixes in the history of ODI cricket.
Under the mentorship of Shahid Afridi and Andy Flower are the one of the finest talents PSL has hosted. Players like, Mohammad Irfan, Moeen Ali, Rilee Rossouw and Ravi Bopara.
Other great players like Sohail Tanvir, Junaid Khan, Jame Vince and Muhammad Irfan are also core players of the squad.
Here’s the squad for the Multan Sultans PSL season this year
- Mohammad Irfan
- Shahid Afridi
- James Vince
- Junaid Khan
- Ali Shafiq
- Shan Masood
- Mohammad Ilyas
- Moeen Ali
- Riley Rossow
- Zeeshan Ashraf
- Ravi Bopara
- Sohail Tanvir
- Rohail Nazir (replacement pick for Fabian Allen)
- Usman Qadir
- Khushdil Shah
Clearly the squad has some huge names. Their experiences could play an integral part in this seasons pursuit this year.
Young bloods and emerging talents like Muhammad Ilyas and Rohail Nazir will also play a pivotal role in the teams form this year.
Last season, the Multan Sultans started the season off with a close defeat by 7 runs against the Karachi Kings. After 10 games the Multan Sultans had only three wins, after bagging an almost win against Lahore Qalandars in the final game of the season at the National Stadium.
As a result of being devoured all season the Multan Sultans had to finish 5th in the PSL race.
All in all, the Multan Sultans are not coming slow this season.