Hasan Ali hopeful of inclusion in Pakistan’s World Cup squad
Pacer admitted that he is currently not part of team’s white-ball plans
BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan fast-bowler Hasan Ali is not sure whether he will make it to national squad for this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup, which is due to take place in India.
Hasan feels that he is currently not included in Pakistan Cricket Board’s white-ball plans but he is hopeful about securing a place in the World Cup squad through good performance.
Speaking exclusively to Geo News at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium, the right-arm pacer, who’s currently playing for Warwickshire CCC in the English county season, said that to make a comeback into white-ball squad he will have to show some strong performances.
“I’m playing for Birmingham Bears in the T20 Blast tournament. I’m trying hard to do well, to become best bowler for my team and make sure that my performance contributes towards my team's victories. And if national selectors and Pakistan’s team management feel that they are happy with my performance they might consider me for the World Cup,” he said.
“It is a dream of every cricketer to represent their country in the World Cup and win trophies for the country. And I know how to win trophies as I’ve a good deal of experience of playing in ICC tournaments,” he added.
In the five county championship matches, so far, Hasan has played for Warwickshire CCC, he has taken 22 wickets. Besides that, he has also contributed with the bat scoring two fifties. After his recent performances in the longer format, he’s been included into Pakistan red-ball squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in July.
“I’m really looking forward to it as I want to play for Pakistan. I have been trying to do well in county matches and gain my rhythm. Whether it’s domestic cricket in Pakistan, any T20 league or the county championship my job is to perform,” he said.
“So far, I’m very happy with my performance in the county championship. I’m a professional cricketer and setup here is very professional too. I’ve a very good understanding with coaches and management and they are also satisfied with my performance. Before arriving here, I had a very detailed discussion with the Warwickshire CCC’s management on how to manage my work load and so far, they have done it exceptionally well,” he added.
Responding on the appointment of Mickey Arthur’s as Director Pakistan team Hasan said that the South African should have been appointed as head coach again.
Arthur has previously served as head coach of the Pakistan team for three years, having taken up the mantle in 2016. During his tenure, Pakistan also won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.
“I think what PCB and Mickey Arthur felt better for each other they did that. Mickey knows many players better than anyone. In fact, all those players including myself who made their international debuts for Pakistan in 2016-17 they also know him very well. We became stars while playing under Mickey Arthur’s coaching and won so many matches and that was due to the trust shown by Mickey Arthur on those young players and his encouragement to do well. We all have great memories,” he said.
“I’ve a great personal relationship with Mickey Arthur as we spent quality time together in the past. We have spoken to each other occasionally and Mickey has also said this many times that he has been in touch with many players. But it’s still important to show your performance to be considered for the selection in the team,” he added.
Hasan also stressed that fans’ criticism should only be based upon player’s performance rather than getting personal and involving family members.
“No one likes to be criticised but if that criticism is taken in a positive way and makes you to sort your weaknesses it will be beneficial. Here I’m sitting in front of you and out of the team and if people criticise my performance I will not mind. But yes when they get personal then it hurts especially when they target family members. It has happened to me and so many other players too”.
Hasan Ali is set to leave Warwickshire CCC in the first week of July to go back to Pakistan to join the national squad for the Test tour of Sri Lanka.
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