Bangladesh’s umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat is set to make his Pakistan Super League (PSL) debut on Friday, taking charge of the second clash between Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators.
After umpiring in the Ashes and World Cup events, the ICC elite umpire will take charge of on-field umpire duty in the upcoming match at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Quetta enter the contest with momentum and pedigree, having finished runners-up last season after falling to Lahore Qalandars in the final.
Their campaign was powered by Hasan Nawaz, who piled up 399 runs, while mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed led the bowling charts with 17 wickets.
With a squad boasting match-winners like Rilee Rossouw and Abrar, Quetta will be aiming to go one step further this season.
Rossouw, in particular, remains a key figure. The left-hander’s ability to dismantle attacks could once again shape Quetta’s playoff ambitions.
Karachi, meanwhile, arrived under pressure despite reaching the playoffs last year, where they were knocked out by the eventual champions Qalandars.
Their batting relied heavily on James Vince, who scored 378 runs, while Hasan Ali matched Abrar’s 17-wicket tally to lead the bowling unit.
However, questions linger over their consistency, with many viewing Karachi as one of the more vulnerable sides in this year’s competition.
Experienced names such as David Warner and Moeen Ali will be expected to shoulder responsibility, while explosive opener Johnson Charles could prove decisive at the top.
Amid the contest, all eyes will also be on Saikat, whose inclusion reflects his growing stature within the international umpiring circuit.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
