The Pakistan batsman Fawad Alam slammed his 31st first-class century in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Karachi and said that he hasn’t felt disheartened despite getting overlooked for the national team over many years.
Fawad made his international debut in 2007 and continued to play only three Tests, 38 ODIs and 24 T20Is for Pakistan. In over 157 matches, he has amassed over 11k runs at an average of 56.38. He has remained not out in 42 of his 247 innings. Yet, the man hasn’t featured in a Pakistan team after April 2015.
“Of course it is disappointing when your name doesn’t come up despite performing [well] with the bat. As a human being, one is bound to get frustrated if he feels under-appreciated. But, I don’t get disheartened because if that were the case my career would have ended three years ago,” – Fawad said.
Moreover, when he was asked whether he’d prefer any one format over the other, he said he is available for selection in all the formats.
“I think it’s the selection committee’s call to select the players they deem fit for a particular format,” – He said.
“Ups and downs are a part of life. In whatever short international career that I have had so far, I have faced more downs than ups. But, I try to keep my chin up and make the most of the opportunities that come my way to keep knocking on the door of the selectors.” – he added.
He also mentioned how there are players who value the domestic cricket moreover league cricket.
“Obviously, whenever an opportunity comes in County cricket, players avail it. But at the same time there are players who prefer domestic cricket over league cricket because they know that they can make a strong case for selection by performing well in domestic cricket,” – Fawad remarked.
He expressed the importance of domestic season and said that the players use it to improve their fitness in order to prepare themselves for the domestic season.
“There is not much pressure on you. I was on 25 when Mir Hamza came out to bat today. I scored a century from thereon. I tried to score as many as possible. Also, credit to Hamza for sticking to the batting plan,” – Fawad said.
“International cricket has already been restored in Pakistan. Apart from hosting international games, we have had PSL matches played here too. All that’s left now is to take this process forward.” – he said.
“Sri Lanka coming to Pakistan is a good sign. It’s a long process. It took us almost 8-9 years to get here so I think we need to give at least two more years to the Pakistan Cricket Board to convince more teams to come and play here.” – he added.
Fawad said the selection of a player is all in the hands of the commit and the player should act accordingly.
“I don’t think that any player can explain why he is not being selected. The selection matters can only be explained by the selection committee. I try to do what’s expected of me. My job is to play and perform on the ground. I am doing that and will continue to do so. Rest is up to the Almighty. Though I do hope that I will be rewarded soon.” – he said.
