Pakistan’s newly-recalled pace bowler Mohammad Khalil has said he is looking forward to getting down to ‘unfinished business’. The Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited left-arm seamer who was called up to Pakistan’s squad for the tour of Bangladesh, was quoted as saying by PakPassion.net.: “I’m just so excited at my recall.” “It’s been a long six years since I last played for Pakistan and I’m so pleased to be back in the international reckoning. It was in my heart to play for my country again as I felt that I have unfinished business to complete.”
Khalil last played for Pakistan in 2005, against India in Kolkata, and got the call-up after Junaid Khan picked up an abdominal strain during the one-day series against Sri Lanka in the UAE. Khalil’s form in the ongoing domestic first-class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy – he’s currently at the top of the wicket-takers’ table, averaging 17.68 – prompted his inclusion in the squad. He put up a strong showing last season as well, finishing the third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
“I’ve not changed anything technically with my bowling, I’d put my good form down to being a more rounded and experienced bowler these days,” Khalil said. “When you have done the hard yards in Pakistani domestic cricket, there isn’t much left to learn as a quick bowler. I’ve just started this season where I left last time around.”
A stint playing cricket in England helped, he said. “In between [the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons] I went to England to play league cricket in Staffordshire, which was a very useful experience. I came back to Pakistan ready and confident for the new season. My performance this season is there in front of everyone and I’m delighted at my form.”
Pakistan, he said, would not take Bangladesh lightly. “In international cricket you cannot write anyone off. It would be foolish to underestimate Bangladesh especially in their home conditions. “The Bangladeshis are international cricketers and they, like us, take great pride in their performances. If I’m given a chance [in the playing XI] I won’t let anyone down and I am very keen to impress my team-mates, the coach and the selectors.”
Bangladesh drop Ashraful, recall Farhad for Pakistan series: Bangladesh dropped former captain Mohammad Ashraful and recalled all-rounder Farhad Reza on Friday for the limited overs series against Pakistan beginning next week.
Vice-captain Mahmudulla also returned to the side, having missed the home series against West Indies through illness and injuries, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said in a statement. Reza, who last played for Bangladesh in 2008 before joining the rebel Indian Cricket League, has been rewarded for his performance with Bangladesh A team in the ongoing West Indies tour.
Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on Saturday to play a Twenty20 International on Nov. 29, followed by three one-day internationals and two tests.
Bangladesh squad:: Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Mahmudullah, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, Alok Kapali, Naeem Islam, Nasir Hossain, Abdur Razzak, Nazmul Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Elias Sunny, Farhad Reza, Shahriar Nafees.
