In exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net Yasir Arafat spoke about his his teams chances and the players to watch out for in the Faysal Bank Super Eight T20 Cup.

By Amir Husain (25th March, 2013)

The PCB have announced that the much anticipated Faysal Bank Super 8 T20 competition will start on Tuesday 26th March and will run for 6 consecutive days in Lahore, with all 15 fixtures being scheduled for the Gaddafi Stadium. This will be the third edition of the Faisal Bank T20 tournament with Rawalpindi Rams winning the first and Sialkot Stallions winning the second title.

Yasir Arafat who is an integral part of the Rawalpindi Rams side has been preparing for the Super 8 tournament in Lahore. Arafat, a 31 year old all rounder, has had inconsistent stints in the national side representing Pakistan, with his last tournament being in September when he was selected for the ICC World T20. After Saeed Ajmal, he was the leading wicket taker for Pakistan in that tournament taking 5 wickets in just 4 matches. 

In exclusive remarks to Pakpassion.net Yasir Arafat spoke about his his teams chances and the players to watch out for in the tournament ahead. 

On Rawalpindi's chances in the Super 8 T20 tournament.

In T20, Rawalpindi have always performed well, winning the tournament two years ago. We've got some good players in Sohail Tanvir, Umar Amin, Hammad Azam. We also have two good opening batsmen in Awais Zia and Naveed Malik. In bowling we've got Sohail and myself as openers.

On who will be the biggest rivals to Rams in the tournament

I think every team is dangerous, Every match is important and you could be out of tournament if you lose one match. We will try our best to reach the semi final first.

On lack of international cricket and the attraction of playing in Pakistan in such tournaments

There isn't any TV coverage of cricket from Pakistan except the domestic circuit. It's the only chance players in Pakistan have to showcase their abilities.

You might be playing cricket in UK, Bangladesh and other places but playing in Pakistan is the best experience.

The last tournament in Rawalpindi, the grounds were full and people outside couldn't get in. People love T20 and i think this time there will be similar crowds in Lahore as well.

On promising players in the tournament

Umar Amin is a promising player for the future who recently went to India and South Africa but didn't get a chance to play. Everyone in the world knows how good a player Sohail Tanvir is. Hammad Azam has also represented Pakistan. As they get more exposure these guys will be future assets for the Pakistan team.

On his form for the tournament and impressing selectors

My form is fine at the moment. Our match is on the 27th and we are preparing well for the first match. 

You have to be confident before the tournament and utilise all your skills well. You can only bowl four overs and you have to make sure you get it right from the start. You don't have a chance to make up later on like in a Test match. You have to use all the experience you have gained from bowling throughout the world. 

I was the second best bowler in the the World T20 for Pakistan with 5 wickets in 4 matches. Afterwards I was unfortunately dropped so now I'm looking to perform well and earn the chance to play for Pakistan again.