Pakistan Under-19 Captain Sami Aslam said the Tri-Nation Tournament (TNT) has proved as an ideal opportunity for the preparation of next year’s World Cup.
Sami’s century helped Pakistan lift the tri-nation tournament trophy with a comprehensive 192-run win over hosts England in the final. However the 2014 U19 World Cup will be played for the first time in Dubai (UAE). It will be the first time that UAE will host an ICC event.
The captain said it is good to have the opportunity to play in English conditions against two very tough opponents. “The U19 WC is next year and this tournament is the best opportunity for my team to prepare for that event,” he told in an interview to Pakpassion.net.
Sami further said as young cricketers it’s an important part of our development to play in as many differing conditions. “In Pakistan conditions are predominantly batting friendly whilst here in England there’s a more even battle between bat and ball,” Sami said.
Sami, 17 has played for Lahore Ravi and National Bank and has a highest score of 144. He was chosen as captain after Babar Azam was selected for the Pakistan Under-23 team for the Asian Cricket Council tournament in Singapore. “It is an honor to captain your nation at any level and I hope the responsibility of captaincy brings out the best of me as a cricketer rather than hampers my cricket,” he said.
However Sami said there is been a lack of U19 tours of late organized 0by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) which has meant that young cricketers here have been limited to playing only in domestic competitions. “The lack of U19 tours is an issue and it would most certainly help with the development of cricketers in Pakistan if more opportunities were given to tour the likes of Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and England,” he added.
