“Yes I was very pleased with the way I bowled in England. I felt very confident throughout the tournament and I received fantastic backing from my team mates and skipper”, stated Saeed who was amongst the leading wicket takers at the recently concluded tournament, as well as being one of the most economical bowlers throughout the competition.

 

When asked about the decision not to greet the fans at Lahore airport on the teams victorious return to Pakistan, Saeed stated that “the security personnel told us that it was in our best interests not to greet the fans at the main terminal, as a huge crowd had built up and things could have got out of control, so we decided to take the advice given to us by the security team”. “We felt sorry for the fans who had waited at the airport, but it was out of our hands”.

 

Saeed, in response to being asked about the reasons behind his great form added that “firstly I have to thank Allah for my success and good form. Also it was basically a huge chance for me at this stage of my career. I’m not a youngster and am a mature bowler and I knew that if I didn’t perform well in this tournament, then who knows whether I would get a chance to ever play again for Pakistan”.

 

Saeed added that “I hope I can continue my good form against a strong Sri Lankan batting line-up, one that is very good against spin bowling and of course there will be the added pressure on me as it will be my test debut”.

 

When quizzed about the offer from Somerset, Saeed stated that “it was a very good offer but of course international cricket comes first and I had been selected for the tour of Sri Lanka”. Saeed added “Warwickshire have also made an offer to me to play for them after the Sri Lanka series and I will have a think about that offer which could mean I turn out for them for a month”.

 

Saeed and his team mates depart for the test and one day series against Sri Lanka tomorrow from Pakistan and will be landing in Colombo via Dubai.