Shaheen will lead Pakistan in future: Darren Gough

The former England fast bowler Darren Gough recently attended the free trials conducted as a part of the players' development program by the defending PSL champions Lahore Qalandars. 


Speaking to cricket Pakistan, Gough revealed that he was really excited to come to Pakistan as he has some really good memories of his playing there. Gough, who is currently serving as Yorkshire's managing director, also stressed that the way the Qalandars pick the best players through this trial and allow them to play in the PSL can work as a blueprint for the Leeds-based County cricket club.


"I always said from the very off, I can't wait to come back to Pakistan; I had some great memories here of training and playing," Gough said. "I've got the opportunity to experience out here in Lahore how they go about selecting some of the talents from the program; then they would have the opportunity to play in the PSL; that's what we want to do at Yorkshire," he further added. 


Continuing, the legendary fast bowler was impressed with Shaheen Shah Afridi's leadership skills in the PSL. Terming Shaheen as a highly talented and energetic guy, Gough even predicted that the young Pakistani seamer will lead the national side in the future.


"Shaheen is a terrific talent. He is hungry for success. He is very energetic. He enjoyed being captain of the Qalandars. I think he led them very well with loads of enthusiasm. He is definitely the future Pakistan captain," Gough opined. 


Talking about Haris Rauf's stint with Yorkshire for the ongoing English domestic season, Gough said that the fiery fast bowler from Lahore is a fantastic signing for them as he is a proven performer in the shortest format in international as well as franchise cricket. He also praised how Haris bowled against Kent and seemed excited to see him play alongside his fellow countryman Shadab Khan in the T20 Blast. 


"Haris Rauf has been a great signing for us. I admire him; not much experience in the longer format, but he is a fantastic performer in the T20 for Lahore Qalandars, Melbourne Stars and Pakistan. He found it hard, but he bowled beautifully against Kent; he got five wickets in the first innings; he will play one more game for Worcestershire, and then we have him and Shadab Khan for T20 Blast, so I am looking forward to seeing them both playing together," the Barnsley-born concluded.


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