KARACHI: Karachi Kings veteran pacer Hasan Ali has echoed Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha’s concern over the rush to promote budding cricketers in the national team, insisting that they should be given opportunities only when they mature.
Speaking at the post-match press conference following the Kings’ 11-run loss to Multan Sultans in match 28 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, Hasan insisted that Pakistan often rush emerging talent, which he described as “unripe fruit”.
“We rush young players like unripe fruits. They should be given opportunities only when they are fully matured,” Hasan said.
The fast bowler was on par with national wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan and, like the Rawalpindi captain, insisted that his only focus was on cricket.
“Like Rizwan Bhai, I don’t know anything beyond cricket. It’s my passion and I want to make my name through acting,” he said.
Hasan also criticized the tendency to raise questions about players’ retirements when their performances have slowed down, instead citing his PSL bowling credentials and arguing that he is determined to come back with a strong performance as he tops the wicket-taker list in the marquee league.
“Cricket is my passion. After some bad performances, questions about retirement start to arise, but I will come back with a strong performance. We have to prove ourselves every day and I try to learn every day,” Hasan said.
“Whenever I get an opportunity, I try to perform well and that’s why I hold the record for the highest wicket-taker in the PSL with 137 runs. I always aim to perform well and earn my place in the team whenever I get a chance,” he added.
The right-arm pacer addressed Karachi Kings’ slump in form in the ongoing PSL 11, especially after the second phase of the eight-team tournament began here, acknowledging the 2020 champions’ shortcomings in each of the three departments.
He also dismissed the notion that the Kings’ struggles were due to the unavailability of Kings captain David Warner in their previous three matches, insisting that every player from the former champions was a match-winner.
“We are not dependent on David Warner alone. This is Karachi Kings team, not Warner’s team. Every player in our team is a match winner,” he asserted.
Grandmother of Abdul Majid
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