Mohammad Hafeez is in Our Plans for World Cup – Sarfraz Ahmed
Sep 11, 2018 at 12:51 PM
Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has said Mohammad Hafeez is in their plans for the next year World Cup. In fact, Pakistan chief selector Inzamam Ul Haq had also put his weight behind the veteran right-handed batsman.
Hafeez last played for Pakistan in the initial stages of the year against New Zealand. Since then the right-hander hasn’t been able to break into the Pakistan side. With the World Cup less than a year away, Hafeez participation has come under the scanner. Furthermore, he could not make the cut into the forthcoming Asia Cup squad.
Mohammad Hafeez is still in the plans.
However, Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed revealed that Hafeez is an important part of their team. Consequently, they are going to give him his opportunity in the coming series.
“Mohammad Hafeez is an important player and is in our plans for the World Cup next year,” the skipper said while talking to reporters here on Monday. “We will include him in the team whenever it’s necessary. Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq never said that Hafeez’s career is over,” he added.
Last week, while speaking to the reporters, Inzamam-ul-Haq said Hafeez is part of their 20-22 players whom they are considering for the World Cup.
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“Hafeez is a part of the 20-22 players that we are considering for the World Cup. We select players and we don’t have any right to claim that anybody’s career has come to an end.”
Meanwhile, Sarfraz Ahmed revealed they will look to put a decent score on the board if they will bat first in the Asia Cup. Ahmed went on to say they have a quality batting line-up to put a fighting score. Furthermore, the Pakistan A team will be playing in the UAE. Therefore, they can call up some players if needed.
“If we bat first we will aim to make over 300 runs. Our battling line has the ability to set good targets. Pakistan A cricket team will also be in the UAE at the same time and if we need players we can call them. The fitness of players has improved and there are many positive developments in the team,” he said.
Pakistan will have the home advantage in the Asia Cup while playing in the UAE, as they play most of their matches there. Men in Green will like to hit the ground running when they will lock horns with arch-rivals India on 19 September.