Speaking exclusively with PakPassion.net, Cheema stated that he was happy with his form this season and confident that PIA could lift the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

 by Saj Sadiq

10 January 2011

Pakistan domestic cricket's most prestigious competition, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, reaches its climax next week as two giants of the domestic circuit, PIA and Habib Bank, square off at the National Stadium Karachi in the final.

Whilst the competition is a four day tournament, the final itself is a five day match commencing on 13th January 2011 and continuing, if needed, till 17th January.

Habib Bank qualified for the final comfortably, but PIA went into their last game against Karachi Blues knowing that nothing short of a victory would be enough. In the event, PIA comfortably overcame Karachi by an innings, with pace bowler Aizaz Cheema demolishing the Karachi batting line-up in both innings and finishing with an impressive 14 wickets in the match.

Speaking exclusively with PakPassion.net, Cheema stated that he was happy with his form this season and confident that PIA could lift the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

"The boys put in a great effort against Karachi Blues and I hope that God Willing we can do a repeat performance against Habib Bank in the final. It should be a really good game against Habib Bank and me and my team mates are very confident going into the final, especially having overcome Habib Bank earlier this season. I think we definitely hold the psychological advantage having beaten Habib Bank by an innings at Fairbanks earlier in the season and I'm hopeful that I can repeat my performance against them, as I picked up 12 wickets in that match."

Cheema is in impressive form, having taken 53 wickets in seven Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches this season at a remarkable average of only 12.20. His impressive form has earned him a national call-up, as he has been named in Pakistan's preliminary 30-member World Cup. Cheema feels his impressive showing this season is due to his increased fitness levels, and also because of a great off-season playing league cricket in the UK.

"I've been performing consistently well in domestic cricket for the past 3 or 4 seasons and have been PIA's top wicket taker. As for this season, well I have to thank Allah and also add that luck has been on my side. I've not really done anything differently as far as technique is concerned but during the close season I worked really hard on my bowling in Devon, England where I was playing league cricket. Playing cricket in England gave me the opportunity to work hard on my fitness and to prepare myself for the domestic season in Pakistan."

Cheema was also part of the Asian games squad that finished third after a surprise defeat to Afghanistan, but he was philosophical about the Asian games defeat. 

"It was a great experience playing in the Asian games. We were very hopeful of bringing back the gold medal but it wasn't meant to be. The match where we lost to Afghanistan can be described as one of those days where things just don't go for you. The batting just didn't click against Afghanistan, but you have to give credit to the opposition who had been playing together for a few years before the Asian Games. Yet in the very next match against Sri Lanka for the bronze medal, we beat the powerful Sri Lankan side."

31 year old Cheema feels that Tanvir Ahmed's example can be motivation for him, and he hopes that age won't be a barrier to an international opportunity.

"I've been playing domestic cricket for nearly ten years, but I've never felt better as far as strength, fitness and form is concerned. Of course, yes, I do hope that the selectors take note of my performances and provide me with an opportunity to showcase my talent in international cricket; if I make it to the World Cup final squad of 15, I would not let anyone down." 

The QEA Trophy final promises to be a close encounter, with PIA boasting the services of in-form Aizaz Cheema, as well as highly rated all rounder Anwar Ali, together with former Pakistan internationals Faisal Iqbal and Shoaib Malik; Habib Bank are similarly blessed, counting amongst their ranks international batsmen Imran Farhat, Ahmed Shehzad and Hasan Raza, whilst their bowling attack will be led by Pakistan leg spinner Danish Kaneria.