In a brief discussion with PakPassion.net, Faisal Iqbal spoke of how he hopes to cope with the pressure of the big game and help his team to lift the trophy.

 by Nimra Ishtihaq (20 December 2011)

A history of sorts was created today when the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Division One final between Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) kicked off at the National Stadium Karachi. The final is a day-night five-day game and is being played with a pink-coloured ball for the first time in Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board experimented with an orange ball in the last year, however, they have opted for a pink ball for the final of the 2011/12 edition of the country’s premiere First Class cricket tournament.

PIA, who finished as the runner-ups last year have once become a part of the experimentation to determine the possibility of holding day-night Test matches in the near future. A major hindrance to day-night Test cricket is the visibility and the durability of the cricket ball to be used. When PakPassion.net asked the PIA batsman Faisal Iqbal to comment on the subject, he replied “I haven’t played with the pink ball in a match. So, I cannot say much about it. However, it was fine during the practice sessions.”

Although the PIA line-up does not boast any big names, the team has done exceedingly well this year – they were unbeaten in the tournament until their last round match against Habib Bank Limited, where their otherwise prolific batting line-up was bundled out for a paltry 62 whilst chasing a target of 306. Going into the final as the favorites, the failure of their top order (barring captain Kamran Sajid) would be a cause of concern for PIA, however, they have an in-form, firing middle order to fall back on. Fahad Iqbal, Sarfraz Ahmed and Shoaib Khan are averaging above 50 this season, while their experienced team mate Faisal Iqbal averages just over 49, having scored 737 runs including 3 hundreds and a fifty in 18 matches.

In a brief discussion with PakPassion.net, Faisal Iqbal spoke of how he hopes to cope with the pressure of the big game and help his team to lift the trophy. “InshaAllah (God-willing), I will continue to do well and help my team to victory.”

The 29-year old middle order batsman added “There will be a lot of pressure in the final. It’s all about controlling your emotions and focusing on the game.”

Assessing his team’s chances, Faisal stated with utmost confidence “I am sure PIA will do well and will be crowned Champions of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Division One.”