Sohail taking care of his fitness at home

By Gabriel de Souza
March 29, 2020

RAWALPINDI: The coronavirus pandemic is taking its toll on the entire world. It has affected every sphere of life and sports is no exception.

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All sports activity has come to a standstill with tournaments/meets being either cancelled altogether or postponed. The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games were also put forward by one year. With no clear indication of when things will get normal, it can be tough for players/athletes to keep in shape physically and mentally ready.

‘The News’ approached all-rounder SohailTanvir to find out his routine during this time and here’s what he has to say. “Routine is simple, just staying at home,” he said on Thursday. “Luckily, I have a small gym in the basement of my house. So, just trying to make most of that and staying fit as going out in not safe.” The left-armer, who has played two Tests, 62 One-Day Internationals and 57 Twenty20 Internationals for Pakistan, also said he was also “trying to help people in need around me” in these tough times.

Sohail is coming off a fruitful campaign for Multan Sultans in the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League that was curtailed because of the fears of the spread of Covid-19. The group stage matches were done and the playoffs were about to be played when the organisers decided it was best to postponed the tournament.

At the conclusion of the league stage, Multan Sultans were at the top of the points table with 14 points (6 wins, 2 losses, 2 no results). The franchise was fifth in 2019.

The 35-year-old Sohail, who has previously represented Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, believes the reason for Multan Sultans’ success this year was their blend of senior and juniors. “We had an excellent team combination of experience and youth,” he said.

“Surely, having experienced players in our line up helped us wingames because experience can deal with pressure situations well.”

When asked about the experience of working with Andy Flower, the former Zimbabwe Test great who was also England’s head coach, the all-rounder said: “It was good. He is a very cool and calm person. The best thing about him is that he gives importance to every player -- especially to senior players -- while making decisions.”

The entire PSL this year was played in the country and Pakistani people welcomed the tournament with open arms. Fans thronged the venues with Multan and Rawalpindi witnessing jam-packed stadiums.

Sohail, who has played in a variety of T20 leagues around the globe, was very pleased with the situation. “It was great to see such big crowds, unbelievable atmosphere. Especially playing at the Pindi Stadium (his home ground) was very emotional as well,” he said. Sohail played an instrumental role in Multan Sultans’ resurgence this year. He finished as the fourth highest wicket-taker after the league stage with best figures of 4-13. In eight games, the left-armer claimed 10 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.80.

The all-rounder also had a message for his fans: “Be safe,stay at home please. Use facemasksand wash your hands regularly. And more importantly, look after the people around you in need.”

Sohail last played for Pakistan on April 1, 2017 in the third Twenty20 International against the West Indies at Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago.

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