Overjoyed with his recall to the International squad for Bangladesh, Khalil spoke of his determination to return to international cricket and how he felt that he has unfinished business to complete.

By Saj Sadiq (November 24, 2011)

 

Left arm medium fast bowler Mohammad Khalil's selection for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh can largely be attributed to his consistent displays in domestic cricket. In the ongoing season Khalil is the leading wicket taker with 45 dismissals in Division One of the Quaid E Azam Trophy, and this after an excellent campaign last time around in domestic cricket.

29 year old Khalil last represented Pakistan in March 2005 in a test match in Kolkata, when he bowled 23 wicketless overs for 103 runs and one wondered if we would ever see the Lahore born bowler ever again in Pakistani colours.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net Khalil spoke of his determination to return to international cricket and how he felt that he has unfinished business to complete.

"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 on form together with Rawalpindi pace bowler Sadaf Hussain has been the pick of the bunch in domestic cricket this season and Junaid Khan's unfortunate injury in the United Arab Emirates has opened the door for the ZTBL bowler, but Khalil was quick to state that it wasn't just this season that he had bowled well on the domestic circuit.

"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. When you have done the hard yards in Pakistani domestic cricket, there isn't much left to learn as a quick bowler. Last season I was the second highest wicket taker in the Quaid E Azam Trophy and I've just started this season where I left last time around."

"In between I went to England to play league cricket in Staffordshire which was a very useful experience and I came back to Pakistan ready and confident for the new season and I felt that this season could be the season that I get back into the Pakistan side if I worked hard and performed well. My performance this season is there in front of everyone and I'm delighted at my form and I think I have been bowling brilliantly. The effort has been there and I even took 9 wickets in an innings during this season. What happens next is down to the Almighty."

Khalil refused to underplay the importance of the series against Bangladesh despite Pakistan being clear favourites and stated that the home side should not be underestimated.

"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 ourselves take great pride in their performances. If I'm given a chance I won't let anyone down and I am very keen to impress my team mates, the coach and the selectors."

Khalil is currently playing in the Quaid E Azam Trophy 4 day match for ZTBL against WAPDA in Islamabad and will travel to Bangladesh upon completion of this match.