Pakistan’s veteran duo, Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik were recalled for the T20I home series against Bangladesh. The pair shared a conversation on the sidelines of Gaddafi Stadium Lahore during the preparations for the T20I series regarding the development of the future cricketers of the nation.
Hafeez, along with Malik, wants to shoulder the pressure of captaincy from Babar Azam’s shoulders.
Mohammad Hafeez said to Shoaib Malik: “It is an added role for us that we have to groom these young cricketers in the side and prepare them for the next 10-12 years.
“There is a pressure of captaincy which you and I have faced in our careers and we can take this off from Babar by putting up performances which can lead Pakistan to victories. We can back his plans and help him in their better execution on the field.
“It is an honor for me to wear the Pakistan cap. I am eager to wear the Pakistan kit and win matches for my country at this beautiful venue. I still remember the day when I made my international debut and I still have the same intensity in me. For me, this is not a comeback. I am looking forward to the challenge.”
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Shoaib Malik is proud to wear the green shirts once again. He also emphasized on the importance of senior players on-field. Malik said: “As a professional cricketer, you want to give your best shot whether you are playing club, league or international cricket. This doesn’t feel like a comeback because in my previous comebacks there have been more lengthy gaps as compared to this one. It is a wonderful feeling to be donning your country’s colors which cannot be described in words. There is certainly no comparison for it.
“Our inclusion will help the youngsters and our captain as we bring in the experience which we can share with them.
“Age is just a number and it should not be a metric to judge a player rather a player should be judged on the criteria set by the board and the management in regard to his on-field performances. Senior players bring in the experience, which they share with the youngsters and make the system stronger.”
The first T20I against Bangladesh will be held in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on January 24.
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