The eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) began on February 13 with two closely-fought matches. The opening game saw Lahore Qalandars beat Multan Sultans by a single run, while Peshawar Zalmi won by two runs against Karachi Kings in the second match.
The game was notable for Babar Azam’s return to face the Kings since he left the franchise last year, and for Mohammad Amir’s controversial comments about Babar before the match. Amir had suggested in an interview that bowling to Babar was no different than bowling to tailenders, a statement criticized by Pakistan spinner Yasir Shah for potentially affecting a player’s confidence.
In the end, Amir had a disappointing match, conceding 42 runs without taking a wicket in his four overs. However, there is still plenty of cricket to come in the tournament.
