LAHORE: Pakistan opener Faqar Zaman insists there are opportunities ahead of him in the Test team, despite specialist red-ball batsmen describing the format closest to his heart as the longest format.
Former Pakistan captain Salman Bhatt in an interview recently PCB’s Straight Drive podcast, the experienced left-hander dismissed the notion that age determines a cricketer’s performance, arguing that experienced batsmen often show their best performance after the age of 30.
“I think we emphasize age a bit too much. Personally, I feel that I never hide while fielding or any captain tries to cover me; I am always sent to the fielding hotspots,” Zaman said.
“Age doesn’t have much to do with it; it’s about how you carry yourself, how you train and whether you can compete with the youngsters coming into the team,” he added.
He explained that players who are able to handle the mental and technical demands of international cricket after reaching the age of 30, maintain their fitness, change their training routines and develop a deeper understanding of their game will reach their peak.
“I personally believe, especially the batsmen, if they take care of themselves and carry themselves well, their real peak starts after 30. That’s when you really understand what cricket is all about and how to manage yourself,” he said.
Despite describing red-ball cricket as “closer to my heart”, Faqar said he believed Pakistan had strong preferences for the longer format and did not want to take their place.
“Honestly, I love red-ball cricket. But if you ask me what is closest to my heart, it is definitely red-ball cricket. ODI cricket is my favorite, I love playing and watching red-ball cricket,” he said.
The left-hander, who has played only three Tests, has scored 192 runs at an average of 32.00, including two half-centuries. He said he came to this decision after consulting with the coaches.
Fakhar also featured in two Tests against South Africa and one against Australia, but has not represented Pakistan in the longer format since 2019.
“I have actually played three Tests. Later when I spoke to the coaches and they told me that I should play Test cricket, personally, I believe there are better players than me who have done better in domestic cricket and in a format that suits Pakistan better.
“Then let those guys play. Why should I take their place?”
Faqar clarified that he does not see the decision as a sacrifice, but rather an honest assessment of where he can contribute most effectively.
“I know I deserve one day internationals, so obviously I should be there. But if I think there are better players than me for Test cricket who can do better for Pakistan in the long run, they should be players,” he concluded.