This band of brothers of PSL ambassadors – Ali Zafar, Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi – has only one woman amongst them. Humaima Malick. She’s always been vocal about her love for cricket and says she didn’t blink twice when this opportunity came along.
Known for her acting chops, Humaima Malick considers herself a huge fan of the game of cricket. “I feel Peshawar needs all of us,” says Humaima about why she is endorsing this particular team.
CatchingUp
Enroute Dubai for the star-studded PSL opening ceremony (tonight), Instep catches up with Humaima Malick, the only female ambassador in the troupe…
This band of brothers of PSL ambassadors – Ali Zafar, Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi – has only one woman amongst them. Humaima Malick. She’s always been vocal about her love for cricket and says she didn’t blink twice when this opportunity came along. Always in the news for her fashionable red carpet appearances and film projects, Humaima shared that she had just wrapped up the shoot for Arth 2 - “Only the London spell is remaining” – and was now excited about the month of cricket up ahead…
Why did you choose Peshawer Zalmi as your team of choice, instead of Karachi Kings, from your hometown Karachi?
“I think they chose me,” Humaima smiled at the question. “When I got this offer, I was interested because I’ve always been interested in cricket. But beyond my love for cricket, I feel that Peshawer needs all of us and I wanted to do something – no matter how small - in my capacity. I love the fact that 150 kids from Peshawer are being flown out for the matches. I also feel that we have the best cricketers in my team. I feel very, very proud of Peshawer Zalmi. This was the best choice. The team is great and the emotional attachment with Peshawer is very strong. And Lala (Shahid Afridi) is the Captain so I’m looking forward to the matches.
But Lala hasn’t performed for the longest time?
“It’s a game and sportsmen, like actors, have good or bad moments,” Humaima was quick to respond. “It doesn’t change who you are. I can’t say I know much about cricket but I know that Lala is a huge star and he is an inspiration for children all over the country.”
Which players are you supporting in the team?
“All of them. I’m supporting all the Zalmis in my team. I just hope we play really well and the games are lots of fun.”
What is your responsibility as an Ambassador of the team?
“I think to raise an impactful voice, to create awareness around PSL,” she replied. “There are big names in my team. Being the face of Zalmi, this is a huge opportunity for me. I can’t stand and sing (like Ali Zafar) but my soul is there.”
Hamza Ali Abbasi is also Ambassador for Peshawer Zalmi but we haven’t heard much from him. Do you get along with him?
“We get along very well,” Humaima laughed at the question. “We’re a very small industry and we all get along. All four ambassadors – Ali Zafar, Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi and me – we all get along very well. Hamza is a great guy and has an energetic soul. And I’m the only girl.”
Why do you think you’re the only woman on the teams?
“I have always been special!” she responded with a hearty laugh. “I don’t know the reason. I have always been interested in cricket but I think you should ask the owners why there are no other women on the teams. Ali is the voice and we are ambassadors. We want to promote PSL to our best capacity. I am honoured to be part of it.”
And what are you wearing to opening ceremony?
“Oh, I don’t know yet. My stylists would know.”
