On the day when he was named for the Pakistan squad to tour sri Lanka, Rahat Ali spoke with PakPassion.net of his delight at his first international call up and hoped that it would be the start of a long and illustrious career for Pakistan.

By Saj Sadiq (10th May, 2012)

23 year old Multan born fast bowler Rahat Ali was today named in the Pakistan one day squad for the upcoming 5 match series against Sri Lanka. An attacking pace bowler who plays for KRL and Baluchistan, Rahat has impressed the selectors with his impressive performances in last season’s Quaid E Azam Trophy and Pentangular Cup.

Rahat’s consistent performances were key to his selection as the Pakistani think tank look for a pace bowler who can provide the team with wickets at key times, as well as provide aggression in the 50 over format.

Rahat took 17 wickets at an average of just over 23 in four Pentangular Cup matches. His performances in the Quaid E Azam Trophy were equally impressive as he took 44 wickets in 9 matches at an excellent average of 17.45. However he only featured in one National One Day Cup match for KRL where he took 1 for 29 in eight overs against Peshawar.

Speaking with PakPassion.net Rahat spoke of his delight at his first international call up and hoped that it would be the start of a long and illustrious career for Pakistan. He also spoke of how it was his dream to continue the great tradition of pace bowling in Pakistan.

“I was watching television with my family earlier today and saw my name in the one day squad. I couldn’t believe it and had to look away from the television and then look again to actually believe that I had been included. I was literally rubbing my eyes in disbelief. My family were with me and it was a special moment for all of us.”

“Like any cricketer in the world it has always been my dream to play for my country. You live in the hope that your chance will come one day. You work day in and day out, you look to improve, you look to learn from seniors and coaches and you look to ensure that you are always giving 100% effort every time you take the field.”

Rahat is regarded by opponents and team mates as a fast bowler with raw pace who can unsettle the opposition batsman with his out and out speed and he is keen to continue the tradition of Pakistani fast bowlers who have terrorised batsmen over the years.

“I’ve watched videos of the great Imran Khan and also watched legends like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis and also more recently watched the brilliant Shoaib Akhtar. They are all inspirations to me, they are all bowlers who I look to emulate. Pakistan has always had great fast bowlers and the tradition of fast bowling is well and truly alive in Pakistan. I want to continue that tradition and for Pakistani cricket fans around the world to be proud of me.”

Rahat was one of 11 pace bowlers who were recently called to Lahore to take part in a fast bowlers assessment camp which was supervised by Pakistan’s coaching duo of Dav Whatmore and Julien Fountain. Rahat felt that the camp had been very beneficial and that he had really enjoyed working with Whatmore and Fountain.

“The fast bowling camp was great. It was fantastic to work with Dav Whatmore and Julien Fountain and to hear their views on my bowling and for them to give me some advice on what I need to work on to improve as a bowler. I enjoyed the practice sessions too, bowling against some of the top players in the country was a challenge, but a challenge that I think I came through.”

Rahat also feels that after a successful domestic season and after being called up to the fast bowlers camp he is full of confidence and raring to go against Sri Lanka if he is presented with a chance against Sri Lanka.

“After a successful domestic season and being called up to the recent camp in Lahore, I’m raring to go and I am full of confidence and self belief. I’ve always had faith in my ability and now I hope that I can perform on the big stage which is international cricket. The Sri Lankan batting line up is a powerful one but if I am given a chance I would love to test myself out against them.”

“Pakistan has always had attacking fast bowlers and that is when we are at our best. The strength of Pakistani fast bowlers is their ability to take wickets and I feel that I am a wicket taking bowler. I can’t wait to attend the upcoming camp and then tour Sri Lanka.”

The one day series in Sri Lanka commences after the conclusion of two T20Is, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on 7th June.