KARACHI – Australian cricketer, Shane Watson who is a part of Quetta Gladiators has confirmed visiting Pakistan for the remaining encounters of the fourth season of Pakistan Super League 2019.
Watson released a video message on Wednesday saying, he visited the country 14 years back and was excited to visit it again.
https://twitter.com/TeamQuetta/status/1103272613454008324
Watson had initially agreed to play matches in the United Arab Emirates, but changed his plans following discussions with his family and after being convinced by his franchise team-mates and owner, said the information made available here on Wednesday.
Watson won the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 and 2009, and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 and 2015 with Australia before retiring in 2016. One of the most sought after players in T20 leagues, Watson is presently the leading HBL Pakistan Super League 2019 run-scorer with 332 runs at an average of just under 47.5 with a strike-rate of over 141.
“I am very excited as it has been 14 years since I was in Pakistan last. It has been a tough decision, more so from my family’s point of view and it all comes down to the support that my wife and my family has given me. It has worked out nicely and also the support that the Quetta Gladiators family has given me.”
“It was always going to be difficult to leave before the final. I am very excited, we have got a great squad, a great team this year and I would love to be involved with Quetta Gladiators taking that final step. So, I can’t wait to get over to Karachi.”
“I am sure that everyone will turn out in their droves to support, not just the Quetta Gladiators but also the PSL. It’s a great tournament and I can’t wait to get there,” he added.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Managing Director Wasim Khan said: “The PCB welcomes Shane Watson’s decision to visit Karachi for the crucial stage matches of the HBL PSL 2019.”
Quetta Gladiators have already qualified for the play-offs, but will take on Karachi Kings in their final league match on 10 March.
Pakistan has shifted the three matches of PSL from Lahore to Karachi; as many as 8 encounters would be staged in Pakistan. The final is scheduled to be played on March 17th.
