In an exclusive interview with Pakpassion.net, Faisal Iqbal talks about his recent form in domestic cricket for PIA, the experience of playing in the BPL, and his aspirations of a return to the national side.

By Usama Ahmed (30th April 2012)

 

Faisal Iqbal has represented Pakistan on 44 occasions and has struggled to break in as a permanent fixture in the senior side. Blessed with a lot of flair and skill sometimes akin to his more famous uncle Javed Miandad, Faisal has struggled to make a mark in International cricket where he has an average of 26.16 in Tests and 22.42 in ODIs.

This is an issue which Faisal has always insisted is based upon the constant changing to his batting positions by team management.


Whilst the International averages will remain a point of contention for keen observers of the game, it seems that given his recent domestic performances, Faisal Iqbal may well be slowly working his way back into the fold.

In recent remarks to PakPassion.net, Faisal cast a positive spin on his current good form with a view towards resurrection of his international career.

"I feel that I am currently in great form. I have been the highest scorer in last season's and this season's domestic tournament. So, automatically my confidence has gone up. I feel that I have become a mature middle order batsman now."

This season, Faisal Iqbal's record appears to be showing signs of improvement as not only was he a part of the winning team, PIA in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, but he also played an important anchoring role in the side's batting order. In 12 matches of this tournament, Faisal put up 750 runs at an average of 46.87. His highest score during the season was an impressive 165 not out.

Faisal’s good form also continued in the recently concluded Faysal Bank Pentangular Cup. In the two matches he played, he put up 263 runs for an average of 87.66 scoring 2 centuries in 3 innings.

With some notable performances in the longer format, Faisal's form in the shorter format has also shown signs of improvement. In 6 matches that he played during the Faysal Bank Super 8 T20 tournament, he scored 292 runs at an average of 73.00 with the highest inning being 107 not out. The overall improvement in his cricket has understandably pleased Faisal who stated

“I have worked hard on my batting and fielding. I have played a significant role in PIA winning the domestic title. I feel I am a responsible middle order batsman now. Also, in the local T20 tournament, I think I gained a lot of experience and it has been beneficial for my cricket. I can only hope I have a quick return into the Pakistani national team."

Iqbal Qasim’s appointment as Chief of Selectors may well be the stroke of good luck that Faisal needs in order to make reappearance in the international squad. Whereas Iqbal Qasim has been known to have backed Faisal in the past, but in Faisal’s view, he would be happier to be picked on the basis of his recent performances in the domestic season and in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)

"Hope is always based on one's performance. I am hopeful that in the upcoming Sri Lankan series, I will be selected for the team. I have performed consistently well in consecutive seasons at the domestic level."

"I have also gained experience from the recently concluded BPL. Playing with world class players helped me a lot. I have gained from my time spent there. Now, I can only hope that whatever 7-8 years I have left in cricket, I serve it with the Pakistani national team."