Pakistan slow-bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan has expressed excitement to be the part of the Pakistan squad, in a bid to take the field against ICC’s World XI in front of the jam-packed home crowd at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
“I am really excited that I will get a chance to play against some top quality players from the World XI in front of our home crowds,” Shadab told PakPassion.
The Mianwali-born rookie professional revealed he wants to give his hundred per cent against visiting side, as the World XI team is led by South Africa’s Faf du Plessis.
“My aim is to perform as well as I can and provide joy to our home fans,” Shadab added.
Pertinently, the 14-member squad includes players from seven Test-playing nations.
As the World XI players have already landed in Pakistan, the 18-year-old leg-spinner is overjoyed – to roll over the arm.
“I feel privileged that I am getting a chance to play international cricket in Pakistan,” Shadab asserted.
Shadab, who played the vital role with the ball for Men in Green led by Sarfraz Ahmed, was the part of the ICC Champions Trophy winning squad in the England and Wales in July, this year.
The promising youngster believes he is lucky enough to rise among the ranks, as he is aware how tough it is to make into the national fold at the elite-level cricket.
“Many other players have had to wait for a long time,” Shadab maintained.
Shadab, who has been a force to reckon with in the domestic set-up, is eyeing to leave a solid impact in the much-awaited three-match Twenty20 series against World XI.
“As a Pakistan player, I can tell you that I am overjoyed at the thought of seeing world-class players from other nations playing on our grounds,” Shadab further added.
However, International cricket was shunned for most of the time in Pakistan owing to the gruesome attack in Lahore in 2009 on Sri Lankan team bus.
“Since the time I started to watch cricket, I have never seen an international team play on our soil except for Zimbabwe so you can understand how happy,” Shadab remarked.
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Recently, Shadab was picked by the 2017 Caribbean Premier League franchise and Champions Trinbago Knight Riders, as he played eight matches to collect 12 wickets.
“On a personal level, it will be a matter of great pride for me to be performing in front of my fans and family who are also excited about the upcoming games,” Shadab said on the Independence Cup.
Shadab, who is looking forward to cementing his place in the Test format, feels there is a lot to be done in the gentleman’s game for being the regular prospect.
“I hope they will all be present at the Gaddafi Stadium to watch Pakistan and myself perform on our own grounds after a long time,” Shadab reiterated.
Shadab is hopeful the World XI Tour would act as a bridge for the return of international cricket to Pakistan while adding he would be delighted to see players from different countries participating in various competitions across Pakistan.
“I am feeling about the Independence Cup as that could result in the full restoration of international cricket in Pakistan,” Shadab concluded.
After making the debut in 2017, Shadab has featured in seven ODIs, four T20Is and a solitary Test.