DUBAI – Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators will meet in today’s firstmatch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Kings, captained by Imad Wasim in this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL),have revamped their lineup, the trade-in of Shahid Afridi from PeshawarZalmi being the biggest boost to their squad.
Another boost to the Kings is England captain Eoin Morgan, who was draftedin from Zalmi as well. However, the team might miss the presence of openerLuke Wright, who ruled himself out over fitness concerns. Veterans KumarSangakkara, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Mahela Jayawardena were alsoreleased by the team to make way for younger blood, after the team had adisappointing run in PSL 1 and managed to finish third in the group stagein PSL 2.
Sarfraz Ahmed’s Gladiators, on the other hand, made it to the finals inboth the previous editions, facing a heartbreak each time as the trophycontinued to elude them.
This time, Gladiators’ arsenal is stronger than ever: Jason Roy and ShaneWatson, who have been traded in from Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United,respectively, bring immense depth to an already consistent side.
Among the youngsters, Afghanistan’s spin sensation Rashid Khan, PakistanU-19 captain Hassan Khan and fast-rising speedster Jofra Archer bringadditional strength to the team.