Currently playing in the SLPL, Pakistan all-rounder Sohail Tanvir spoke to PakPassion about his own performances, his experience in the event thus far and preparations for the upcoming series against Australia in the UAE.

By Nimra Ishtiaq (24th August, 2012)

The Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) commenced on August 11 and so did the inevitable comparisons with the Indian Premier League (IPL). Whilst the IPL may have more “star power” coupled with even more glitz and glamour, the SLPL has slowly and gradually captured the attention of cricket fans and has been successful in creating an identity of its own.

Unlike the IPL, the SLPL has provided an opportunity to a number of Pakistani cricketers to lock horns with other international and local players, which is undoubtedly the biggest attraction for the Pakistani fans in this lucrative Twenty20 league.

PakPassion.net spoke with one of the top performers of the seven-team tournament, the Pakistani all rounder Sohail Tanvir who spoke of his own performance, his experience in the event thus far, as well as its significance as preparation for the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20 also later this year in Sri Lanka.

While speaking of the ongoing tournament, the unorthodox left armer lauded the efforts of the organisers saying that “The Sri Lankan Premier League is a very well-organised event and we have been provided with excellent facilities. Also, the crowds have started to build up as the tournament has progressed, so the atmosphere has been pretty good as well at the matches. I think the SLPL has an excellent format too.”

Sohail Tanvir, who earned the purple cap for finishing as the highest wicket-taker at the inaugural IPL, has emerged as a key player for his team Kandurata Warriors at the SLPL, picking up 10 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 10.50 which has taken him to the top of the bowling charts of the tournament so far.

Commenting on his own performance at the SLPL, the 27-year old alluded to Pakistan’s recent tour of Sri Lanka where he featured in the T20I leg of the tour, bagging 4 wickets in 2 matches at 6.75 apiece.

“Every performance matters whether it is in international cricket or an international league like this one. As you know, I had bowled well in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, so in a way, I’m just continuing my good form. The fact is that conditions here [in Sri Lanka] are really helpful for the fast bowlers as the ball swings a lot. Plus, I feel I’m in good rhythm ahead of the series against Australia,” Tanvir stated.

Earlier this month, Pakistan’s national selection committee announced the 15-member squad for the ICC World Twenty 20 to be held in Sri Lanka later this year. Several selected players are participating in the SLPL and since the matches are being played at Pallekele and Colombo - venues that will also host the Twenty20 World Cup games, the ongoing tournament is expected to play a vital role in the team’s preparations for the biggest international cricket event of the year.

Coach Dav Whatmore who has recently termed the participation of Pakistani players in the SLPL as a “good thing” as they’re playing in conditions that they will encounter at the World Cup later this year. Speaking on the subject, Tanvir also echoed his coach's sentiments stating that “Playing in the SLPL will definitely help us prepare for the T20 World Cup as it is going to be held in the same country. Moreover, the quality of players and the standard of cricket here is great and that will definitely provide good practice to those who have been selected in the Twenty20 World Cup squad and are participating in the SLPL presently.”

While the SLPL provides the international cricketers with a chance to familiarise themselves with the conditions ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 in addition to the opportunity to benefit from the riches on offer, it is also a priceless learning experience for the domestic cricketers of Sri Lanka. Highlighting the significance of the event from a local player’s perspective, Tanvir stated “It’s a great opportunity for the Sri Lankan cricketers to experience the environment of international cricket. They get to play in front of the television cameras, they get to experience the crowd pressure and above all, they get to play alongside international cricketers – they get all the things that a domestic player would not experience before he starts playing at the international level.”