Mohammad Hafeez eager to justify his selection in PSL 8

The veteran all-rounder was roped in as a replacement for an injured Ahsan Ali

February 19, 2023
Mohammad Hafeez during practice session — PCB 

KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators' senior all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez wants to justify his selection by performing well for his franchise in the ongoing Pakistan Super League.

Veteran Hafeez was picked by Quetta Gladiators as a replacement for injured Ahsan Ali.

The 42-year-old told Geo in an exclusive interview that he is thankful to Gladiators management for providing him the opportunity to play in the Pakistan Super League.

“This is the biggest brand and everyone wants to perform here, PSL is a tough tournament and you’ve to prepare well if you want to excel here,” he said.

“I have two goals – one is to justify my selection by performing well for my franchise and the other is to pass my experience to youngsters so that it can help them in the future. I try to spend maximum time with youngsters when I am not playing,” the former captain said.

Hafeez said that Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi have always played well against each other and most of the time the game was decided on the last ball.

“I am expecting another thriller on Monday,” he said.

“Both the teams know that we do well against each other, I am confident of a good show by the Gladiators team,” he said.

Replying to a question, he said Quetta has a very good combination, a blend of top foreigners and talented Pakistani players.

However, he emphasized the importance of local players’ performance.

“It is important for all the teams to have their local players giving heroic performances, when you local players will do good, your team will do good,” he said.

“Our local strength is strong as well. We have Iftikhar Ahmed on our team. Naseem and Hasnain are bowling well and everyone is appreciative of Sarfaraz Ali’s captaincy,” the experienced all-rounder said.

Talking about the emerging talent of PSL2023, Hafeez named Saim Ayub and Ehsanullah as future prospects. He also suggested Abdul Wahid Bangalzai as another talent who can excel if given the proper opportunity.

When asked about recent statements by some players against opponents, Hafeez said respecting opponents is important for everyone.

“It is important for players to respect your colleagues, your teammates, and your opponents. If you don’t respect your colleagues, no one will respect you,” Hafeez concluded. 

Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.

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