Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, who played an instrumental role in Quetta Gladiators’ success in PSL 4, has said he’s taking incredible memories with him from his visit to Pakistan.
The 37-year-old star said that visiting Pakistan was an amazing experience and he was looked after very well during his stay in Karachi.
“It has been amazing,” Watson said. “I was looked after incredibly well. The love and support I got since I arrive is incredible and it not surprising at all because any time in different parts of the world where Pakistani fans are around they always show love and support, I had a very special time here.”
This was Watson’s first visit to Pakistan in 14 years after he last visited the country with Australia A team in 2005.
After initially being reluctant to visit Pakistan, he agreed to take a flight to Karachi following a detailed discussion with the Gladiators management and his family.
Watson said the decision on touring Pakistan was his family’s and he was glad that this time he arrived here to play for Quetta.
“It always came down to my family, I talked to my wife and my son who was struggling with me being away. It’s a family decision. My wife has been incredibly supportive, she always has been throughout my career and she tries to make things work. I am glad it worked out,” he said.
“My team, my team-mates,” he said when asked about his best memories from his visit to Pakistan.
“I am part of Quetta for last two years and it’s a very special environment. I am certainly taking away so many incredible memories having so many great people as part of the franchise and our win tonight is very special,” he said.
“Competition level is incredibly strong, there is no question about it. From the batting point of view, it is very challenging, every time I go for batting I face world-class fast bowlers who are bowling at very good speeds as well. The spin is also very good. So, it is a huge challenge. I am so grateful that I was able to contribute this year to Quetta’s victory,” said Watson, who scored 430 runs in 12 innings to win the best batsman and player of the PSL awards.
He also spoke highly of Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.
“We won, which means we have got great leadership. Saffy knows the team very well, knows the players very well and was able to get the best out of everyone,” Watson said about Sarfaraz, who is also Pakistan’s captain in all three formats.
