Sohail Tanvir was one of the stars of the 2014 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), setting the tournament alight by smashing the fastest half century of the tournament in 18 balls in the colours of St Lucia Zouks.
This year the explosive all-rounder returns to the Biggest Party in Sport, but he will be playing for a different franchise - the debutants, the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
We caught up with the Pakistani international and he shared with us his hopes for the competition, his thoughts on playing with some of the game’s biggest stars and the emotional recent return of international cricket to his homeland...
SOHAIL TANVIR
On returning to the CPL in 2015…
I’m very excited. I’ve loved my time in the CPL so far. It’s a fantastic atmosphere - the people are great and I really enjoy the lifestyle. The West Indians are the best T20 players in the world, even at domestic level, so the cricket is very competitive too.
"The West Indians are the best T20 players in the world" - Sohail Tanvir
On being picked by the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots…
I am excited to be part of the new team. I’ve done well in the past in the competition so there will be a bit of pressure on me to do well again this year.
On the Patriots title ambitions…
We should believe that we can do well and win the tournament. We have a good squad that is well balanced. We have good batters, some good bowlers and good all-rounders. As long as we execute our skills we have a good chance.
On playing with Shahid Afridi at the Patriots…
He is a legend of the game. I’m really excited and happy that he is part of the team. I’ve played a lot of cricket with Shahid, he’s a game-changer with bat and ball and we needed someone like him.
"Nobody can describe the emotions and what it means to the people of Pakistan" - Sohail Tanvir
On Chris Gayle…
It’s always lovely watching him play. He is God-gifted. Against Kent (for Somerset in the English T20 Blast), he was a one-man army. It was one of his great innings. Every six went out of the park. I don’t want to think about having to bowl at him in the CPL yet, I am just enjoying playing with him.
On Pakistan’s return to play international cricket at home…
It’s great. Nobody can describe the emotions and what it means to us as the people of Pakistan that we’ve played international cricket at home for the first time since 2009. It was really great watching the games on TV and I’m sure it was great for the players playing in front of their friends and family. I’m hoping this will continue and teams will play more series now.
A message for the fans in Pakistan…
Definitely support the Patriots when you see me and Afridi playing together. The people of Pakistan are a cricket-loving nation and it’s great to get all the messages of support from home.
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