KARACHI: Hassan Ali thinks that his friend and all-rounder Shadab Khan is ready for Pakistan team captaincy if given a chance.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of Islamabad United's first training session ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8, Hassan said Shadab has often proved himself as a strong captain.
"Shadab is ready for captaincy if given a chance," responded Hassan when he was asked about his friend taking up Pakistan team's captaincy in future.
"He has proved his captaincy in PSL and also did well as captain of Pakistan team on a couple of occasions. He is a potential cricketer and likes to take challenges. I think he can take that role," he added.
In 2020, United, two-time PSL champions, appointed Shadab as their new captain. The all-rounder is also currently the vice-captain of Pakistan team in white-ball format.
Playing for Islamabad United
Hassan is proud to be a part of Islamabad United's family as he thinks they make a balanced team.
"I am associated with Islamabad United for last three years. They make very balanced team every year. We have equal potential in batting, fast and spin bowling which is a good sign. I know we didn't win trophy recently but I am sure players are going to put everything this year to win the title," he said.
United last won PSL title back in 2018 under the captaincy of JP Duminy. They also won the inaugural edition of the PSL in 2016 under the leadership of Misbah-ul-Haq.
Hopeful for performance in PSL 8
Hassan accepted that his performance over the last couple of months wasn't up to the mark. But, the right-arm pacer, who remained out of national team, is looking forward to grab an opportunity to perform in PSL 8.
"I know I wasn't up to the mark over the last couple of months. But, recently I played in BPL and did well there. This PSL is another opportunity for me to gain rhythm and make my case stronger for national team's return. I am really looking forward to contributing for my team," said Hassan who last played an international match in September last year.
Islamabad United squad
Shadab Khan (c), Asif Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Colin Munro, Paul Stirling, Alex Hales, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abrar Ahmed, Sohaib Maqsood, Rumman Raees, Zeeshan Zamir, Hassan Nawaz, Moeen Ali, Mubasir Khan, Tom Curran, Zafar Gohar,
Partial replacements: Tymal Mills, Gus Atkinson and Rassie van der Dussen
Schedule
16 Feb: Karachi Kings v Islamabad United
19 Feb: Multan Sultans v Islamabad United
23 Feb: Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United
24 Feb: Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United
27 Feb: Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United
3 March: Islamabad United v Karachi Kings
5 March: Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators
7 March: Islamabad United v Multan Sultans
9 March: Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars
12 March: Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi
Muzamil Asif