Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne has struggled for form. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne says his first experience in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) has been “exciting”, despite his side losing their opening two matches.
The Australia international, featuring in the PSL for the first time, believes the new franchise is still finding its rhythm as players adapt to each other’s styles.
“It’s been a great experience… we’re a new team and it’s been exciting getting to know everyone,” Labuschagne said.
“I think for us, it’s about confidence and getting to know each other’s games. We need a good start with both bat and ball. Once we get ourselves into a good position and put pressure on the opposition, we’ll be in a strong position to win games. It’s about continuing to work hard in training, doing the right things, and going into matches with confidence and trust in our abilities and skills.”
“There are a lot of positives, and as we go deeper into the tournament, it could be really exciting for us.”
Labuschagne highlighted the need for stronger starts with both bat and ball in the Pakistan Super League 2025 season.
“It’s about confidence and understanding each other’s games,” he said.
“If we can put ourselves in good positions and apply pressure, we’ll be in a strong position to win matches.”
Responding to concerns over Hyderabad Kingsmen’s bowling attack, he admitted there is room for improvement across all departments.
“We haven’t been at our best in the first two games… not just in one area but overall.”
“In T20s, players can fail for a couple of innings and then come back strongly,” he said.
“We’re not talking about form slump — it’s about how well he’s playing.”
Speaking about Saim Ayub’s form, he said, “It’s too early to talk about form. In T20 cricket, every player can fail for a couple of innings and then score runs in the next few. We’re not talking about a form slump—we’re focusing on how well he’s playing.”
“We haven’t really come together as a team in the first two matches. None of the batters have stepped up to make big scores, which is why we’re in this position. Hopefully, we can all click at the same time and put strong totals on the board.”
Labuschagne said, “We have two of the best young players in Pakistan opening for us, Maaz and Saim. It’s about giving them confidence to trust their game. When they perform, the rest of us can build on that and put pressure on the opposition.”
“I’ve only seen Maaz in the nets and in a previous game, and he looks like a quality player. I’m really excited to see how he performs—he looks like an exciting talent.”
The 30-year-old admitted he has not been satisfied with his own performances so far.
“Scores of 26 and 23 aren’t why I’m here. I want to win games and convert starts into big scores.”
On captaincy, Labuschagne described leading Hyderabad Kingsmen as a “great challenge”, particularly in understanding players’ strengths and building combinations in a new squad.
Labuschagne, who has toured Pakistan previously with Australia, said conditions feel familiar, while praising the organisation of the Pakistan Super League.
He also revealed his admiration for Pakistan captain Babar Azam and his love for local cuisine, including chicken karahi, naan and paratha.
Glenn Maxwell is expected to join the squad soon, providing a major boost for Hyderabad Kingsmen as they look to turn their PSL 11 campaign around.
