Head coach Aaqib Javed does not want to put former South African captain AB de Villiers under pressure during the Lahore Qalandars’ 2019 Pakistan Super League campaign.

De Villiers will debut for the Qalandars in the fourth edition of the competition, which will start in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

‘AB is AB. You can expect anything from him, but we don’t want to put a load of pressure on him, that we are only depending on him,’ Javed was quoted as saying by The National.

‘He is a star player. He will definitely win you games.’

One of De Villiers’ teammates will be Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. He is just 18 years old, but has already played for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League, Sylhet Sixers in the Bangladesh Premier League and Melbourne Stars in Australia’s Big Bash League.

‘The way Sandeep is performing, he is a leading bowler in the world already, at this young age,’ added Javed.

‘Leg-spinners are the key factor in T20 leagues, especially ones who can bowl googlies and flippers. He is a very exciting youngster, who can bring a lot of energy, and is brave, not afraid to be hit.

‘In this tournament, there are players who could become stars. Lamichane would be one of them.’

Photo: Gallo