Times of Islamabad

Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed breaks silence over Muhammad Hafeez issue

Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed breaks silence over Muhammad Hafeez issue

*ISLAMABAD – Pakistani captain Sarfraz Ahmed has broken silence over theissue of the Muhammad Hafeez exclusion from the national team.*

*He has confirmed that all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez is included in their ICCCricket World Cup 2019 plans.*

“Mohammad Hafeez is an important player and is in our plans for the WorldCup next year,” he said. “We will include him in the team whenever it’snecessary,” he said.

“Chief selector Inzamamul Haq never said that Hafeez’s career is over.”

Sarfraz went on to say that the Asia Cup 2018 is a major tournament as thetop teams of the world are participating in it. He said that Pakistan willplay against India with all guns blazing.

Speaking about his performance, the Pakistani captain commented that he istrying to improve and contribute as much as he can.

He said that each team has announced a strong squad and they are not takingany side lightly. “We will try to score a big total and defend itthroughout the competition,” he said.

The conditions in Dubai are humid and the batsmen will face problems inscoring runs. The spinners will have a key role to play. We have goodbowlers who will play their role in defending the score, he said.

Pakistan will begin it Asia Cup campaign on September 16 against Hong Kong.They will play arch rivals India on September 19.