Dahani eager to make comeback in Pakistan team

RAWALPINDI: Fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani is eager to make a comeback in the Pakistan national side.

While talking to Geo News, Dahani, who has played two ODIs and 11 T20Is,  said that his focus is on representing Pakistan in Test cricket.

"I toured West Indies and Zimbabwe with the Test sides. I have played white-ball formats but, unfortunately, I have not represented Pakistan in Test cricket yet. I have always given preference to domestic cricket because domestic performance is the only gateway towards national side. I feel happy whenever first-class season starts because the performance will automatically bring the eyeballs of PCB selection committee on me,” he said.

He also opened up about the bitter truth of players preferring T20 cricket now a days.

"Indeed, players are currently focused on T20 formats due to contracts worth heavy amounts. However, a Test cricketer has the highest value,” he said. "Australia and India are top teams who always come up with the strongest squads for Test Championship because Test cricket is their priority."

He also shed light on the philosophy of bowling.

“Pace does matter but a fast bowler has to focus on skills as well in order to bowl quality spells across all three formats. Pat Cummins is a prime example who not only plays top T20 leagues of the world but also test cricket for Australia. Hence good line and length is very important for a fast bowler along with pace," he said.

Dahani met India’s legendary cricketers MS Dhoni during Asia Cup 2022 and called it one of the best fan moments.

“The world wants to see and meet MS Dhoni. I am also one among million fans of MS Dhoni. MS Dhoni had a laugh when I told him that you are Dhoni and I am Dahani. He met very humbly after our match against India and meeting and getting a picture with MS Dhoni was a dream come true for me,” he said.

Dahani, who belongs to Larkana which is a remote city of Sindh, is eager to promote cricket in his area.

"I want more Shahnawaz Dahanis from interior Sindh to play for Pakistan. There are less cricket facilities in interior Sindh in comparison to other cities. I always keep raising voice for promotion of cricket in interior Sindh on every platform. I want a cricket academy and good facilities in my area. I also had a conversation with Chairman PCB in regards to preparation of cricket academy in Larkana upon which he has given a green signal to me,” he said.

Dahani was among the top wicket takers in recently-concluded President Trophy where he also claimed a hattrick.