Trying my best to regain place in Pak team: Shehzad

KARACHI: Pakistan’s out-of-favour opener Ahmed Shehzad on Tuesday said that he would try his best to find a place in Pakistan team for the ICC One-day World Cup which will be held in England.

“When I came to this tournament (PSL) I only thought that whatever happened in the past was not in my control and what I can control is that I should make a place through my performances,” Shehzad told reporters here. “I know that this tournament is very important for me. In the remaining matches I will try to put in my best. I have the remaining matches of the PSL and from April 2 Pakistan Cup will start. I have that event in my mind as well,” he added.

“It is my desire to do such a thing for Pakistan in the World Cup which could remain in memories for ever. I think World Cup is a big opportunity for any player. I am very hopeful. In coming matches I will try to keep performing like I have done so far and the rest is in God’s hands,” said the 27-year-old, who has played 13 Tests and 81 ODIs.

However, he was not happy with an early announcement of Pakistan team for the five-match one-day series against Australia, which begins in the UAE from March 22.“I was discussing with Moin Khan the same thing. A tournament was in progress and it had its crunch matches yet to go. There would be more players like me who would have motivation to make a place in the team and would make an extra effort for such an opportunity. It was a bit early to pick the side. But we should all back the team which has been selected,” Shehzad said.

About the playoff Quetta Gladiators will play against Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday (today), he said: “Our games against Peshawar Zalmi have been crunch throughout. In front of a good crowd the match between the two teams will be great. The team that has strong nerves and makes less mistakes will win in the end.”

When asked about Gladiators’ one-run defeat in their last league game of the PSL the other day, Shehzad said: “It was very painful. Instead of my milestone the team’s objective was important. We dominated the whole game but we could not finish it and it was unfortunate,” said Shehzad, who fell on 99 in that match.

He said that the selection of Pakistan team should be based on four-day and one-day cricket. “I have just come out of suspension. I could not play in the first half in this event but in the second half my form has been good.

“I believe that PSL is a big platform for everybody. But I still think that this should not be criteria for selection in Pakistan team. If you want big players who could play big cricket and contribute to our Test team consistently I think focus should be made on four-day and one-day cricket.

“Those players should be picked who perform consistently in those formats. There should be no short-cut. If you get a fast bowler or you get an exceptional spinner then it is a different story. But apart from that those players should be selected who have played 60 to 70 matches as such players will be able to handle the pressure of international cricket,” he said.

Shehzad said that he had been trying to remain positive. “I have passed through very difficult time. I always tried to be positive. I worked with Moin Khan who has man-management skills. I have also had very good sessions with Viv Richards. I learnt from him how to be mentally tough. But it is up to the player how he takes it. I tried to implement it properly in the ongoing tournament and so far it has worked,” he added.

He said that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) efforts for restructuring domestic cricket should be backed. “If you have competitive domestic structure you will find much better players. And now when the PCB is trying to form a new domestic structure, it is a big cause and we all should back it,” he said.

Shehzad had to miss the first-class cricket last year due to suspension as a result of doping violation during a domestic event. His four-month ban was extended by six weeks after he was found guilty of breaching the ruling on his four-month suspension.