Pakistan has a significant advantage in the upcoming T20 World Cup due to the extensive CPL experience of seven squad members

 

Pakistan has a significant advantage in the upcoming T20 World Cup due to the extensive CPL experience of seven squad members. Mohammad Nabi, Imad Wasim, and Mohammad Amir, who triumphed in the CPL with the Jamaica Tallawahs in 2022, highlight this seasoned group.

 

The CPL has not garnered much viewership in Pakistan. The league's broadcast arrangements have historically made it difficult to watch live, especially with many games starting at 4 am local time. Consequently, most fans don't bother, though some find unofficial ways to follow it. However, in recent months, Pakistan cricket stakeholders have closely examined the CPL. The strong performances of bowlers like Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir in the CPL prompted the PCB to bring them out of retirement for the T20 World Cup, the first to be played in the West Indies (and the USA) since 2010.

 

Imad has taken 61 wickets in the CPL, with an economy rate of 6.20 runs per over, second only to Sunil Narine among spinners. Amir has captured 43 wickets across three seasons at an economy rate of 6.5 runs per over. No other fast bowler in the CPL with at least 40 overs bowled has a better economy rate. Additionally, no overseas fast bowler has more wickets in CPL history than Sohail Tanvir.

 

Despite the CPL’s low profile in Pakistan, 29 Pakistani players have participated in the tournament over the years, more than any other overseas country except South Africa. Pakistan also boasts the most CPL winners among overseas nations.

 

Shoaib Malik is a notable figure in the CPL, having played three seasons with the Guyana Amazon Warriors. He led them to the final in 2019 with 11 successive wins.

 

Given this context, Pakistan is focusing intensely on the World Cup, believing their players have unmatched knowledge of local conditions. Imad emphasized the importance of understanding and utilizing the wind in the Caribbean. "Because they're islands, they can be windy, and you can use it if you're skilful enough. You try to restrict runs from the windy end and it's the opposite when you bat. That's a tactical battle going on inside each ground," he explained.

 

Sohail Tanvir also highlighted the wind's significance and the need for versatile bowling. Genuine pacers don’t achieve as much success there, as quicker deliveries are easier to hit on those pitches. Due to the humidity, a bowler with the ability to swing the new ball can be very effective, and variations are crucial with the old ball in the latter stages of an innings.

 

Amir, who played for the Barbados Royals and Jamaica Tallawahs, noted the consistent early swing in the West Indies, regardless of whether games are day or night. He mentioned that dew, especially in Barbados (where Pakistan will play two of their three Super Eights games, if they qualify), makes it easier to chase higher scores in night games.

 

The varied nature of the pitches in the CPL requires players to adapt quickly during games. Imad focuses on responding to what the wicket demands, whether it’s bowling a slower ball, a quicker one, or an arm ball. He adjusts his strategy to use the conditions to his advantage, noting that the CPL pitches can make even 120 a winning score, unlike the flatter wickets in Pindi or Lahore.

 

Tanvir added that the first few overs are crucial for scoring runs while the ball is new and hard, and the older the ball gets, the more challenging it becomes. West Indian players, known for their power-hitting, can score runs at the death, but it requires significant hitting ability.

 

This extensive CPL experience equips Pakistan's players with a deep understanding of the local conditions, giving them a potential edge in the T20 World Cup.