Cricketing greats converged in Karachi to add excitement to the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as its sixth franchise — Multan Sultans — cruised into PSL circuit in style, unveiling its kit and logo on Friday in a ceremony.
The Sultan of Swing, Wasim Akram, will serve as the director of cricket operations of the new franchise, which aims to light up the cricket circuit in Pakistan with more untapped talent.
Akram, who has been an integral part of various T20 cricket franchises around the world, including past PSL champions Islamabad United, is excited on joining the Sultans and hopes to produce players "capable of competing and excelling."
Speaking about the success of PSL, Akram said: “The third season of PSL will be even more enthralling as it will feature Multan Sultans as the sixth team, and will be a treat for the crowd which will now get to see more home games after the successful return of international cricket in the country.”
The franchise also announced former Australian star Tom Moody as the head coach of the team. Moody brings with him experience of coaching in a varied set of roles in franchise T20 cricket, county cricket and the Sri Lankan cricket team, which he led to the final of the 2007 World Cup.
“I believe in Tom we have found the ideal man for this role. He possesses years of coaching experience with various franchises, which enables him to play a crucial role in nurturing young talent and player development,” Director of Multan Sultans, Asher Schon, said regarding Moody’s appointment.
It was earlier reported that "the two W's" of cricket — Wasim and Waqar — will unite under the Sultans banner as Waqar would serve as the team's head coach.
“It is great to see everyone welcoming Multan Sultans; the love and enthusiasm is surreal and makes us feel very proud on making the right choice of team. Our logo symbolises power and visually positions our determination to lead the way, be it on-field or off-field,” Schon said.
Multan Sultans enter the circuit at a time when cricket in Pakistan is experiencing a high, with a memorable Champions Trophy victory followed by the arrival of a World XI team in what was seen as a major step towards ending the long drought of international cricket in the country.
Dubai-based Schon Group acquired the Multan franchise for an eight year contract worth $41.6 million in a bid held earlier this year, surpassing Karachi Kings as the most expensive franchise.
