LAHORE: Discarded opening batter Ahmad Shahzad feels like making the Pakistan team comeback very soon.
Speaking to media, Shahzad, who has represented Pakistan in 13 Tests, 81 ODIs, and 59 T20Is, said he strongly believes that he will make a comeback in the national side soon.
"I always believed in working hard and I am doing that. Also, I have belief in my hard work and soon I will once again play for Pakistan," said the right-handed opening batter.
"If you talk about my fitness, I have been working on this for very long. I am absolutely ready to play. I feel like ready enough to make Pakistan team comeback even tomorrow," he added.
Shahzad last played for Pakistan in a T20I series against Sri Lanka back in 2019. He could only score 17 runs in three-match shorter format series.
In reply to a question, Shahzad said he is not available to every franchise league as his focus remains on playing for his country first. "I can't hit six maximums in an over. I am not a power-hitter who is in the demand of cricket leagues around the world," he said.
"I am currently focused on playing for my country and in PSL. For that, I am working on my game and fitness," he added.
Pakistan's upcoming assignments
Shahzad, a veteran cricketer, suggested team management prepare strongly for the upcoming important events.
"We need to be mentally strong for events like Asia Cup and World Cup. Our team is competent enough to beat any team in the world. I hope they will start their preparations for World Cup from the Asian event," he emphasised.
Shahzad also praised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee's head Najam Sethi for the Asia Cup hybrid model's approval.
"Najam Sethi deserves all the credit for getting four Asia Cup matches to host. He made efforts to bring the Asia Cup in Pakistan," he said.
"We need to be careful while taking decisions because Champions Trophy is scheduled in Pakistan in 2025," he concluded.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.