Asif Ali eyeing return to national team

FAISALABAD: Pakistan’s hard-hitting batter Asif Ali is eyeing a return to the national team, with a focus on delivering strong performances in the ongoing Champions Cup.

Speaking exclusively to Geo News, Asif expressed his readiness to make the most of the opportunity, emphasising that he is fully prepared to prove his form in the tournament and reclaim his spot in the national squad.

Known for his aggressive stroke play, Asif revealed his preference for batting at the No. 4 position, where he found success before his international debut in 2018. He acknowledged, however, that adapting to the No. 6 spot in the national side has been a challenge.

“The transition from No. 4 to No. 6 isn’t easy,” Asif said. “In international cricket, it’s crucial to train specifically for your batting position. Moving from a higher spot in domestic cricket to a lower order at the international level requires significant adjustments.”

Asif also highlighted that the Champions Cup has been beneficial in assigning players to roles that could align with their potential responsibilities in the national team. Reflecting on his recent half-century against the Markhors in the Champions Cup, Asif acknowledged the fierce competition for selection in the Pakistan squad.

While pleased with his individual performance, he admitted that a win would have been more satisfying. “The pitch tends to favour bowlers in the later stages of the game, which made batting difficult,” he observed.

“There was moisture early on, and that’s why the Dolphins’ management opted to field first. Had they asked me, I would’ve advised them to bat first instead,” Asif added. With the Champions Cup serving as a platform to showcase his abilities, Asif Ali remains determined to make a case for his return to international cricket.