PSL 9 to T20 World Cup 2024 :

These players might or might not be picked for the tournament in the USA and the Caribbean, but they’ve played well enough to catch the selectors’ eye from PSL 9 to T20 World Cup 2024 .

With several top players pulling out and many international stars unavailable, Pakistan’s local players had a chance to show their skills in the ninth season of the PSL. Many of them did well, especially with the T20 World Cup coming up soon. While some were already known players with secure spots, a few newcomers have impressed and chances to fly from PSL 9 to T20 World Cup 2024. Here, blogthirst looks at five such players.

Players chances to get ticket from PSL 9 to T20 World Cup 2024 :

Pakistan’s local players had a chance to show their skills in the ninth season of the PSL and get a ticket from PSL 9 to T20 World Cup 2024

Haider Ali

When it comes to Haider Ali, he’s not always scoring runs, but he can hit big shots sometimes in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Scored 103 runs in five innings with a strike rate of 163.49

Haider Ali hasn’t shown a major change, but he reminded everyone of his ability as a good hitter. After struggling with low scores recently, he wasn’t picked in the draft initially but was later chosen by Islamabad United. His two unbeaten innings in important matches for United reminded everyone of his talent.

Initially, Haider used to bat higher up the order, but due to a lack of big hitters in the United team, he batted lower down. This gives Pakistan a new option, especially since there’s less competition for spots in the middle order. The upcoming T20 matches against New Zealand will be a good opportunity to try him out .

Though Haider has room for improvement at 23, his recent form raises questions. He hasn’t scored well in 12 out of his last 19 innings. So, it’s important to understand his role clearly. Haider is valuable as a hitter who can score big occasionally rather than being a consistent run-getter.

Imad Wasim

Imad Wasim might still have a role in international cricket

Scored 126 runs in nine innings with a strike rate of 128.57 | Took 12 wickets in 12 innings with an economy rate of 6.60

Even though Imad Wasim hasn’t played for Pakistan in over a year and has retired from international cricket, his recent performances deserve attention. Imad, who divides opinions, showed consistent performances in all aspects of the game, similar to his prime when Pakistan won 11 consecutive T20I series. Injuries and fitness concerns have affected his international career, but with most of this year’s T20 World Cup matches in the Caribbean, there’s a strong argument for his return.

His economy rate of 6.60 was the best in the tournament – no other bowler came close. His ability to take wickets without giving away too many runs makes him an attractive choice. Also, his record in the CPL, where he has taken 61 wickets with an average of under 19 and an economy rate second only to Sunil Narine, adds to his credentials.

Imad’s contributions with the bat lower down the order were crucial for Islamabad United during the group stages, and his presence during the death overs in the final strengthened the team’s batting lineup.

Could he make a comeback?

Mehran Mumtaz

The mystery with Mehran Mumtaz is how he spins the ball while bowling at almost 100kph

Took 5 wickets in five innings with an economy rate of 6.63

There are mystery spinners who seem like tricks, and then there are those who offer something useful. Mehran Mumtaz belongs to the latter group. The mystery around him is how he manages to spin the ball while bowling close to 100kph. Mumtaz, a 20-year-old left-arm spinner, didn’t play much in the PSL, but in the games he did play, he was impressive. He took five wickets, but what stood out was his economy rate – 6.63, just a bit higher than Imad’s.

Five games might not be enough to judge, but Mumtaz’s fitness and endurance shouldn’t be a concern like they are for Imad. He bowls most of his overs during powerplays and made significant breakthroughs in almost every game. Despite being relatively unknown in Pakistan cricket, he has the potential to make a difference. Pakistan has 12 matches before the T20 World Cup, giving ample chances to test him and chance from PSL 9 to T20 World Cup 2024 .

Abrar Ahmed

Abrar Ahmed isn’t just for red-ball cricket, as shown by his performance in this year’s PSL

Took 16 wickets in ten innings with an economy rate of 7.82

Abrar Ahmed’s comeback in this year’s PSL is a good option for Pakistan’s selectors. He impressed initially with Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi before injuries halted his career. Despite being seen as a red-ball specialist by Pakistan, his T20 performances have been impressive. His international debut against England in Multan saw him take five wickets before lunch, but since then, he’s only played Test matches.

He was expected to be Pakistan’s main spinner for the tour of Australia before an injury ruled him out. However, his performance in this year’s PSL suggests that he hasn’t lost his touch in T20 cricket. He was among the top wicket-takers in the tournament, with a better economy rate than most bowlers. His consistency in bowling his full quota of overs in all ten games for Quetta Gladiators shows his value. If he stays fit until the World Cup, expect to see him playing for Pakistan, possibly in the Caribbean.

Usman Khan

 At the PSL, only Babar Azam scored more runs than Usman Khan, despite playing fewer games

He scored 430 runs in 7 innings of PSL 9  with a strike rate of 164.12

Admittedly, this one’s a bit tricky. Usman Khan isn’t currently part of the Pakistan team; he switched to the UAE in 2022. But his performance can’t be ignored. At the PSL, he was outstanding, scoring the second-highest number of runs after Babar Azam. What’s even more impressive is that he achieved this despite playing fewer games. He even scored two centuries in the tournament, averaging over 107 with a strike rate exceeding 164.

Though he’s expressed lukewarm feelings about playing for Pakistan again, it’s clear that Pakistan would want to keep such a talented player. While it’s unlikely for him to feature in this year’s World Cup, don’t rule out the possibility of seeing Usman in a Pakistan shirt again.