ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has advocated for the creation of a new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise representing Rawalpindi, proposing the name ‘Pindi Express’ in homage to his own legendary nickname.
Appearing on a private television channel, Akhtar advocated for his hometown of Rawalpindi to receive representation in the country’s premier T20 league.
“The city lives and breathes cricket. Considering the calibre of talent Rawalpindi has produced over the years, it’s only right that it has its own PSL team,” Akhtar stated.
The former pacer also proposed a name for the potential franchise – ‘Pindi Express’ – in a nod to his iconic nickname.
“I’ve always said it should be called Pindi Express. You’ve got to push this hashtag for me because honestly, this team needs to exist. Sohail knows it, we all know it – Pindi is the city of princes, brimming with exceptional talent,” he added.
Hometown of fast bowlers
Rawalpindi has been the hometown of several fast bowlers who have gone on to represent Pakistan, including current internationals Mohammad Wasim and Haris Rauf.
Akhtar, who hails from Rawalpindi himself, famously earned the nickname ‘Pindi Express’ after bowling at a record-breaking speed of 161.3 km/h during his career.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Super League CEO Salman Naseer recently confirmed that the PCB is aiming to expand the league from six to eight teams following the conclusion of PSL 10.
Addition of new teams
Originally launched in 2016 in the United Arab Emirates due to security concerns, the PSL is now fully hosted in Pakistan.
“By the end of this year, we might see two additional teams,” Salman Naseer revealed in an interview with local media last month.
“We started at a time when international cricket wasn’t being played in Pakistan. The initial challenge was to bring the game back. Now that we’ve successfully returned to the traditional centres, the next phase is expansion beyond the four main cities – Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan,” he added.
