Ramiz Raja highlights Karachi Kings’ weakness ahead of HBL PSL5

F.P. Report

KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja believes the spin department of Karachi Kings could face problems in the upcoming fifth edition of the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League.

While speaking in a Youtube video, the famous commentator said the other spinners in Karachi Kings can be vulnerable if their captain Imad Wasim goes for plenty of runs.

“Karachi Kings’ spin department can face an attack from the opposition,” Raja said. “If Imad Wasim has an off day, then they can come under pressure because Usama Mir is a leg-spinner. Although I believe that you should play a leg-spinner as he gives you a wicket-taking option. It remains to be seen that how much confidence they show in Usama Mir. “

“It would be interesting to see the kind of pitches Karachi Kings prepare as they have a massive home advantage,” he added. The 57-year-old believes that Kings has a good mix of local and foreign talent in their squad. Sharjeel is making a comeback, so they have other options in big hitting as well.

“Kings have a good balance of local talent and foreign players,” he said. “When you look at foreign talent, they have the likes of Alex Hales, who is an excellent opener and can give early advantage to his team through big hitting. Then there is Cameron Delport who scored a century against Qalandars last year at National Stadium. If you talk about local players, they have five players that are part of Pakistan Twenty20 International (T20I) squad. There is all-round talent in their local players such as Iftikhar Ahmed, Rizwan Ahmed and Imad Wasim.”

“Plus, Babar Azam is the highest ranked T20I batsman in the world, who can take the innings along as well do power hitting,” he added.

Raja also said that the determining factor in Kings’ campaign this season would depend on how well they gel as a team.