5 popular international star players you might not know once played in Pakistan Super League (PSL)
The 2021 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has resumed in the United Arab Emirates. Several big names like Rashid Khan, Faf du Plessis, Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer and many others are a part of the competition this year. PSL has been an important part of Pakistan cricket for the last few years.
The ongoing season is the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League. Initially, there were five teams in the tournament. From 2018 onwards, the Multan Sultans have been a part of the event. So far, the Lahore Qalandars and the Multan Sultans are the only teams that have not won the PSL trophy. Last year, Lahore reached the PSL final, where they lost to the Karachi Kings.
Although the Indian cricketers do not play in the PSL, some big international names have participated in this league. Here's a look at five popular international star players you might not know once played in Pakistan Super League (PSL).
1. AB de Villiers - PSL 2019
Former South African cricket team skipper AB de Villiers has retired from international cricket, but he has continued to play in T20 leagues across the world. The right-handed batsman has been a part of the Indian Premier League since the first season, but he made his PSL debut in 2019.
The Lahore Qalandars signed de Villiers in that season. The South African star did not play all games, but he played a fantastic knock of 52 runs that helped Lahore defeat Multan Sultans. He even captained Lahore in that season.
2. Shane Watson
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson represented Islamabad United in the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League. Watson played six matches for the Islamabad-based franchise.
He scored 194 runs in six matches, with his highest score being 79. His batting average in the competition was 32.33, while the all-rounder also took one wicket with his right-arm pace. Watson also played for the Quetta Gladiators in his career.
3. Jonny Bairstow
Current England wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow is one of the top T20 players in the world right now. He can turn the game around in a matter of moments with his big-hitting skills.
Peshawar Zalmi had signed Jonny Bairstow in the first-ever Pakistan Super League season. Bairstow played only one match for the team, scoring 15 runs.
4. Kevin Pietersen
Former England cricket team captain Kevin Pietersen was one of the most successful T20 players during his prime. Pietersen played for multiple teams in the IPL.
Speaking of his PSL career, Pietersen was a part of the Quetta Gladiators team in the first season. He scored 215 runs in nine matches at an average of 26. Pietersen has now retired from all forms of cricket.
5. Mahela Jayawardene - PSL 2017
Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene signed up to play for the Karachi Kings in the 2017 edition of the Pakistan Super League. Jayawardene's compatriot Kumar Sangakkara was the team's captain.
Jayawardene played only one match for the Kings that season, scoring ten runs. The right-handed batsman hit one boundary in that game for the Karachi-based franchise.
