Pakistan player Mohammad Hafeez has admitted that he is participating in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League (DPL) for his “own enjoyment and passion” and to “inspire youngsters” around the world. The all-rounder, who announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this year, believes that even though he has been out of the ODI picture for the last couple of years, he can do well in the T20 format.
“I am playing for my own enjoyment and passion, and to inspire and help youngsters around the world,” Hafeez, Player of the Match in the PSL final last month said. “My motivation is to enjoy the cricket. I am retired from international cricket but, personally, I still have something in me to give to cricket. I try to inspire the youngsters so that they can learn from me. I always try to be helpful to everyone, whoever wants me in their game.
“I didn’t play ODIs in the last couple of years, but I believe I can do well in this format. I try to hit the same fitness levels every day that is required at the international level. Mohammedan was very welcoming, they were kind in handling lots of things.”
Hafeez’s exploits helped Lahore Qalandars win the PSL for the first time this season, and he is now with a team vying for their first Dhaka Premier League title since 2009-10. They are also missing Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, and Abu Jayed, all of whom are in South Africa.
“Some of the teams will miss their best players,” Hafeez said. “They are on the tour. It is a good opportunity for the youngsters to show their talent. We are very confident that we will do well as a team. We have some international experience like Soumya Sarkar. It will be good to be part of the Mohammedan club.”
Hafeez joked that when he learned there would be no bio-bubbles, he felt even more thrilled about playing in the DPL.
“It was one of the reasons I signed the contract,” he said. “I asked him [a team official] if there’s a bio bubble, he said, ‘no’. I said, ‘I am coming’. I wanted to be a part of this beautiful Muslim culture. I want to move around freely, enjoy my stay, enjoy the cricket. Biobubble gets on you mentally. In this league, everyone will enjoy a little bit extra.
“We all are human. We spent two-and-a-half months in England, without our family. It can break you mentally. You don’t feel like a human being staying in a controlled environment. Everyone needs a bit of freedom, so now we all know how to live a life in Covid.”
Hafeez said that he would be interested in playing for Pakistan in the future, but he does not want to rush into anything: “At the moment, I am enjoying my cricket, giving time to my family members. I am not a job-seeker. If I can add value in any system, I will definitely opt for it.”
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