Derby, 30 June 2021: I am ready to play at any position in the batting as per the team requirement, says Sohaib Maqsood while talking to the media via video conference call today at the sidelines of the team practice session.
Pakistan team are practicing here in Derby to get ready for the three ODI and three T20I series against England starting from 8 July in Cardiff.
Sohaib has been recalled in the national team after a dream run of form in the recently concluded HBL PSL 6. He scored 428 at 47.56 from 12 matches in the tournament and was declared the player of the tournament, player of the final and best batsman of the tournament. He helped his side clinched the HBL PSL title for the first time.
Commenting on his batting number in the HBL PSL 6, Sohaib said, “I have played at number three in Abu Dhabi-leg of HBL PSL 6, but in the same event I batted at number five as well.”
Sohaib who plays for Southern Punjab in Pakistan domestic tournaments, said, “If you look into my domestic career, I have scored a lot of runs at different batting positions, so I am available to bat at any position for my team. When you play for your country you have to think like a countryman.”
On staging a comeback in the national team after five years, Sohaib said, “I have no pressure. I know the world will not stop spinning if I loose from here. So I will opt a fearless approach. I am clear in my mind. I have nothing to lose.”
Sohaib is committed not to make mistakes again and said, “I had an issue with my shot selection earlier but I have tried to overcome on my mistakes as much as I can.”
When asked to comment on playing for the first time in England, the right-handed batsman responded, “Yes I am playing for first time in England, but the national side has been touring England for quite a while in last few years so I believe the conditions shouldn't be that difficult for us. English conditions are always good for white-ball cricket. Though England are World Champions, but we will play good cricket.”
