PSL 2023: Five young players to watch out for

Since its inception, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been the home for some of the world's best young talents in Cricket. PSL 2022 saw promising players like Zaman Khan and Mohammed Harris break out of their shells, and the upcoming season seems no different.

Aided by last year's Pakistan Junior League, PSL Franchises have gathered enough young guns in their ranks. Here is a list of five youngsters playing in the PSL 2023 that one must keep an eye on.

Hasan Nawaz - Islamabad United

Hasan Nawaz, Young Players to watch out for, PSL 23 (Source: Twitter)

The Layyah-born Hassan Nawaz was in the limelight for his six-hitting talent in the Kashmir Premier League stint with Mirpur Royals. The 18-year-old managed 241 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 148.76, alongside a tally of 14 maximums. Hassan has also played five games in the National T20 2022-23, showing brief glimpses of brilliance.

"Islamabad United has always been my favourite team, and I am glad to be a part of the franchise in my first HBL PSL season. Learning from power-hitters like Asif Ali and Colin Munro would hone my skills and make me a better player in this format," the youngster remarked about his expectations from the upcoming PSL season.

Arafat Minhas - Multan Sultans

Young Players to watch out for, PSL 23

Arafat Minhas made his mark in the series between Pakistan U19 and Bangladesh U19 in November 2022, where he bagged the player of the series award at the end of the three ODIs scoring 171 runs with two fifties. He was also handy with the ball, gulping up three wickets in the series. His string of impressive performances in the Pakistan Cup saw him being attached to the Pakistan Test squad for the first Test against New Zealand in December.

Minhas will be representing his birthplace, Multan, in the upcoming PSL. "It is an unbelievable feeling and a great opportunity to express myself. I want to prove that I can compete on big stage. To be honest, I am not giving myself any specific targets and goals; I just want to go out and express myself and learn from the biggest stars of the game," he said.

Shawaiz Irfan - Lahore Qalandars

Young Players to watch out for, PSL 23 (Source: Twitter)

Shawaiz Irfan has built a reputation for being a fierce striker of the cricket ball in the Pakistan Junior League. He was part of the champions, Bahawalpur Royals, and had notably, blasted a 32-ball 79 that included six sixes in the tournament's final game. His impressive show allowed him a chance in the Pakistan U19 team for the home series against Bangladesh U19.

"I am thankful for being picked in Lahore Qalandars, and I am definitely excited to play in the PSL for the first time. It will be an exciting occasion to play in front of the passionate fans," exclaimed the youngster.

Muhammad Irfan Khan - Karachi Kings

Young Players to watch out for, PSL 23 (Source: Twitter)

Muhammad Irfan Khan is a product of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) age-group programme; the middle-order batter has represented Pakistan in two ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cups in 2020 and 2022. Notably, the 20-year-old made 141 runs in nine innings in the National T20 2022-23 at a strike rate of 153.26. He scored a 31-ball 57 against Balochistan, which remained his campaign's highlight.

"In Karachi Kings, I will have the opportunity of interacting with my cricketing idol Shoaib Malik, who has a lot of experience playing for Pakistan and in leagues around the globe. He is also a middle-order batter like me, so I will definitely use the opportunity to learn from him," said Muhammad when asked about his expectations from the upcoming PSL season.

Haseebullah Khan - Peshawar Zalmi

Young Players to watch out for, PSL 23 (Source: Twitter)

A talented wicketkeeper-batter from Pishin, Haseebullah Khan has been a prolific performer in Domestic Cricket since he made his List A debut in March 2022. He was the leading run-scorer in his team's Pakistan Cup 2021-22 winning campaign. He also was the second-highest run-scorer in the subsequent season of the 50-over tournament. His tally of 551 runs and 10 dismissals saw him awarded the title of the best wicketkeeper of the tournament.

"Being picked in the HBL PSL draft for Peshawar Zalmi was a proud moment for me. Our team has Babar Azam and Haris Sohail. Haris has been my teammate in Balochistan, and I had my first experience with Babar bhai during the second Test against New Zealand. I am happy to share the dressing room with them for an entire season," the youngster remarked about the upcoming PSL season.