PSL 2022 Team Preview: Multan Sultans

Introduction

Multan Sultans rose in the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The first two editions of PSL were fought with only five teams. In the third edition, there was an edition of the team called Multan Sultans. Led by Shoaib Malik and owned by the Jahangir group, Sultans made their woeful start in the PSL-3. In their inaugural season, Sultans only won four matches out of 10, where one ended as a draw.

During the next edition, PSL-4, Shoaib Malik was leading the side again. Multan claimed only three wins out of 10, so the woeful and agonizing outings continued for Multan in PSL. Shan Masood led the side in the next season, and Multan was the first team to qualify for the play-offs. Shan Masood-led men won 6 games out of 10, but the covid-break ended their dream to win a title.

During the PSL-5, covid break broke the winning tempo of Multan, and they lost both of their qualifiers from Karachi and Lahore.

The PSL-6 saw a change in the role. Mohammad Rizwan replaced Shan Masood as a skipper. It was the first time Rizwan was leading a side in marquee event.

Mohammad Rizwan was previously engaged with Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars but couldn’t get more games due to their packed-top order. However, the addition of Rizwan into the Multan squad turned the tides of both Sultans and Rizwan.

The start of PSL-6 wasn’t dreamy for Rizwan, as his side won only one game out of five. However, Rizwan and Sohaib Maqsood were remarkable with the bat. It was more like the bowling core of Sultans wasn’t clicking on the batting-friendly pitches of Karachi. However, there is another covid break, and this time it proved to be a blessing in disguise for Sultans.

During PSL-5, the covid break ended the good time of Sultan, and in PSL-6, that break ended the bad run in the PSL. The UAE leg of PSL-6 proved to be a blessing for Sultans. The resumption of Sultans was remarkable because they went on winning four games out of five. Moreover, they qualified for the playoffs for the second time in PSL and thrashed the tournament favourites Islamabad United in the qualifiers.

The final stage was set between Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi, and Sultans at the end clinched the game and posed at the winning podium. Rizwan’s captaincy debut ended in a fairy-tale way, as he held the trophy in his hands, guiding Sultans to their first-ever title in PSL.

Squad preview

Sultans will begin their title defense under the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan. Multan has a great squad all-around, and they will surely be eyeing on the title defense. Sohaib Maqsood, Rilee Rossouw, and Shan Masood will be crucial for Sultans. Last year, we saw how Sohaib solitary led the fragile middle order of Sultans. Moreover, if the bradmanesque form of Rizwan continues in 2022, it would be cherry on top for Sultans.

Tim David and Khushdil Shah, two power-hitters, Asif Afridi, a powerful all-rounder, surely add versatility and stability to the squad of Sultans. The bowling attack of Sultans looks potent, as Imran Khan Senior and Shahnawaz Dahani have been doing great in the recent past. Moreover, the spin wizards Imran Tahir and Asif Afridi are notable bowlers; they can rattle up the opponent’s batter.

Strengths

Undoubtedly, Multan’s batting lineup is their strength, packed with every ingredient, reliable openers, great middle-order, and powerful hitters.

Weakness

Multan’s bowling has great potential; their emerging players Amir Azmat and Abbas Afridi have stability in the bowling lineup. However, the batting lineup of Sultans can struggle if Rizwan or Sohaib struggles with their form.

Multan Sultans Squad 2022

Mohammad Rizwan, Rilee Rossouw, Sohaib Maqsood, Imran Tahir, Shan Masood, Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dhani, Tim David, Odean Smith, Rumman Raees, Asif Afridi, Anwar Ali, Rovman Powell, Imran Khan Sr., Abbas Afridi, Amir Azmat, Blessing Muzarabani, Ihsanullah, Johnson Charles, Dominic Drakes, David Willey, Rizwan Hussain.

Multan Sultans PSL Schedule

Jan 27: Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans

Jan 29: Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars

Jan 31: Quetta Gladiators vs Multan Sultans

Feb 1: Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans

Feb 5: Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans

Feb 10: Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi

Feb 11: Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans

Feb 16: Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings

Feb 18: Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators

Feb 20: Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United