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The all-exciting eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is scheduled to commence on February 13 in Multan. The cricketers participating and the fans of the nation have buckled up for another electrifying season filled with high-octane action and drama. With just few weeks to go before the season commences, the players have begun preparations and teams have started to ideate plans in order to clinch the coveted title. With all this said, many cricketers will aim to up the ante and refine their game heading into the event. In this piece, we take a look at the five players to watch out for in the PSL 2023-
5. Rashid Khan (Lahore Qalandars)
The current No. 1 T20I bowler of the sport, Rashid Khan will represent the Lahore franchise in the upcoming edition. However, the spinner may not feature in the first couple of games which would certainly hand a massive blow to the side. Upon his return, he will surely look to hand his side the major breakthroughs, much like he has been in world cricket presently. Adding to this, the spinner recently achieved a historic feat as he racked up 500 T20 wickets in the ongoing SA20 aged just 24.
4. Shan Masood (Multan Sultans)
Shan Masood relished a terrific outing in the T20 World Cup 2022, especially against arch-rivals India and then against Zimbabwe as he registered scores of 52* and 44 runs respectively. The batter has the ability to score huge runs for his team, but he has not had a significant number of opportunities to show off his skills. The PSL will give the batter a massive platform to step up and bring out his A-game in the event for his side- Multan Sultans.
3. Rovman Powell (Peshawar Zalmi)
Powell is among the leading run getters in the ongoing ILT20 league, having amassed 232 runs as of six outings. The Caribbean hard-hitter has carved out quite a few blistering knocks, which cannot go unnoticed. He can very well play similar innings in the forthcoming edition of the PSL for Zalmi.
2. Haris Rauf (Lahore Qalandars)
After his return from an injury, pace spearhead Haris Rauf will be hungrier than ever to claim new victims with his lethal deliveries for Lahore in the eighth edition. His partnership with Shaheen Afridi with the ball could deck the rival batting unit and perhaps create records. Haris’ experience of playing in the crunch games will come into play and he would be gearing to get a place in the list of top wicket-takers in the league.
1. Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi)
The list would be incomplete without Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. The flamboyant batter made a switch from Karachi Kings to Peshawar Zalmi ahead of the new season. While everyone is aware of the type of batter he is and the confidence he exudes on the pitch, he would look to up the ante and push himself and keep getting better. It would not be a surprise if Babar concludes the season among the top run-scorers in the lucrative T20 league.
