Shehzad vows to perform for a place in WC squad

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

“When I came to this tournament (PSL) my only aim was that whatever has happened in the past was not in my control and what I can control is that I should make a place through my performances. I know that this tournament was very important for me. In the remaining matches I will try to put in my best. I have not only the remaining matches of the PSL but from April 2 Pakistan Cup will start. I also eye on that and whatever cricket will follow,” Shehzad told reporters here on Tuesday.

“It is my desire to do such a thing for Pakistan in the World Cup which could remain in memories for ever. It is my motive to do something for my people through which I could create love in their hearts for me. I think World Cup is a big opportunity for any player. I am very hopeful and in coming matches I will try to keep the same process and the rest is in God’s hands,” said the 27-year old who has played 13 Tests and 81 One-day International.

However he was not happy with an early announcement of Pakistan team for the five-match One-day Series against Australia which will begin in the UAE from March 22.

About the playoff Quetta Gladiators will play against Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday (today) at the National Stadium, Shehzad said: “Our games against Peshawar Zalmi have been crunch throughout. In front of a good crowd the match between the two teams will be extremely good. And the team which will execute skills and nerves and will make less mistakes will win in the end,” Shehzad said.

Shehzad said that the real criteria for selection in Pakistan team should be based on four-day and one-day cricket.

“I have just come out of suspension. In the event I could not play the first half but in the second half my form is 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 so I think focus should be made on the 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 stuff can easily handle the pressure of international cricket,” he said.

Shehzad said that he had been trying to be positive. Shehzad had to miss first-class cricket last year due to suspension as a result of doping violation during a domestic event. His four-month ban was then extended for further six weeks after he was found guilty of breaching the ruling on his four-month suspension.