Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018 Draft turned out to be interesting session as current performances of the players were given preference over reputable names. The third season of PSL 2018 will see new names join the bandwagon as the competition is certainly going to get bigger and better this time around. A number of renowned players have been roped in by various franchises that can potentially steal the show with bat or ball. The coming season of PSL 2018 will see new names thrown in the spotlight as well as reputable names such as JP Duminy, Mitchell Johnson and Chris Lynn to spice things up in the competition.
Let’s take a look six players to watch out in the upcoming PSL 2018 signed by various franchises.
- Carlos Brathwaite (signed by Quetta Gladiators)
The West Indies all-rounder is a reputable name in the T20 name after his last over heroics with the bat saw West Indies win their second World T20 title over England at Eden Gardens. Quetta Gladiators have opted for the right combination as all-rounder does provide balance to the side with bat and ball. Gladiators struggled in the first two seasons once the top order failed to get going in a particular game. It would certainly increase their batting depth and go one step further to lift the title in the upcoming PSL 2018.
- Shakib Al Hasan (signed by Peshawar Zalmi)
Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder is no newcomer in the league as he suffered an indifferent season with Karachi Kings in the inaugural season. Peshawar Zalmi will be hoping that he can step up to the occasion this time around after Shahid Afridi’s departure to Karachi Kings for coming season of PSL 2018.
He is in the form of his life and has been instrumental in Bangladesh’s rise in the ODI and Tests. Shakib is one of leading all-rounders of this era and will certainly relish doing better in upcoming PSL 2018. His performance will be crucial for reigning champions Peshawar Zalmi who will aim to successfully defend in the upcoming PSL 2018
- JP Duminy (signed by Islamabad United)
South Africa’s Jean-Paul Duminy recently retired from Test cricket to prolong his career in the shorter formats of the game. Duminy has been roped in by Islamabad United for PSL 2018. The left-hander holds considerable experience in playing for different leagues in the world and has captained Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League and will bring value to the franchise for the upcoming PSL 2018.
Islamabad United have picked the right player for PSL 2018 as Duminy will prove experience in the batting lineup as the franchise will be without players like Brad Haddin, Dwayne Smith, and Shane Watson. Also, Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif also have banned for spot-fixing scandal in the last season of PSL 2018. Duminy is also a good bowler and will play a crucial role in the setup for the forthcoming PSL 2018.
- Imran Tahir (signed by Multan Sultans)
Imran Tahir is undoubtedly one of the big players in the competition as Multan Sultan has signed him for PSL 2018. The Pakistan born-spinner has made a name for himself in the game of cricket by performing well for South Africa in limited overs and T20 format. He is the premier leg-spinner by a distance in the coming season followed closely young gun Shadab Khan.
Multan Sultans will rely heavily on him to provide them breakthroughs in the middle overs and produce an instant impact for the franchise in PSL 2018.
- Chris Lynn (signed by Lahore Qalandars)
‘Lynnsanity’ will prevail in PSL 2018 as Lahore Qalandars acquired Australia T20 megastar Chris Lynn for the coming season. It would be quite a spectacle to watch Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn firing on all cylinders with the bat just like they have done in the Big Bash League for Brisbane Heat. PSL 2018 is certainly going to be see some fireworks off the bat of Chris Lynn if he gets his into his groove for Lahore.
Lynn is a dangerous player in the format and could turn out to be a big player for Lahore Qalandars as the franchise has suffered to make an impact in the first two editions of the competition. Qalandars will be praying that Lynn can showcase his destructive abilities with the bat and help the side make the playoff of PSL 2018.
- Mitchell Johnson (signed by Karachi Kings)
The left-arm pace bowler Mitchell Johnson is all set to make his debut for Karachi Kings in PSL 2018. Kings have a formidable attack with three quality front-line bowlers in Mohammad Aamir, Usman Khan, and Mitchell Johnson. PSL 2018 is certainly going to be e balanced competition between the bat and ball. Karachi Kings that their bowling strength could help them win silverware in the coming season.
It is going to be tough for other teams to face the probing spells produced by Johnson. He has certainly not lost his pace despite calling it a day from the international game for Australia. Johnson does know how to perform on the grandest stage of them all as he has played in Big Bash League and Indian Premier League. He produced a raging spell of fast bowling to propel Perth Scorchers to win the Big Bash League title last season and will be one bowler to look out for PSL 2018.
PSL 2018 is certainly going to be a bigger event that the previous two editions as all franchised have made smart selections to go in with reputable names coupled with exuberance of youth.
