Mohammad Abbas, the seasoned Pakistani fast bowler, has expressed disappointment at being left out of the recent home season by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Despite his remarkable performances on home soil, including 50 wickets and two five-wicket hauls in just four to five games, Abbas was not allowed to represent Pakistan in the three-Test series against England in December 2022.
The 33-year-old from Sialkot admitted feeling sad about the decision but has channeled his emotions into a relentless determination to prove his worth to the selectors. Abbas believes that consistent hard work and exceptional performances can ultimately earn him a place on the national team.
Despite being overlooked for the ongoing two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, Abbas has taken matters into his own hands. He has been honing his skills by participating in county cricket for Hampshire in England. In the ten County Championship games he has played, including the ongoing fixture against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, Abbas has impressively taken 33 wickets at an average of 21.90.
The disappointment of not being selected for Pakistan’s home series and the ongoing Sri Lanka tour has not deterred Abbas from his cricketing ambitions. Instead, he has used it as a driving force to work even harder and showcase his talent to the selectors.
Speaking to BBC Radio and quoted by Cricket Pakistan, Abbas shared his thoughts on the situation, saying, “These things are not in your hand. What you can do is work even harder, and if you perform well, then your time shall come.” He remains hopeful that his domestic and county cricket performances will eventually catch the selectors’ attention and lead to his recall to the national team.
“I was a little bit sad when England went to Pakistan. I took 50 wickets in here; I took 20 wickets in four-five games in Pakistan, I took two fifers in Pakistan, and even after that, they (PCB) didn’t pick me. I was a little sad, but this is part of life and cricket. These things are not in your hand. What you can do is work even harder, and if you perform well, then your time shall come. I will try my best, and I hope my time will also come.” he told BBC Radio, as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.
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Mohammad Abbas’ consistent performances in county cricket demonstrate his dedication to the game and his desire to be an integral part of Pakistan’s cricketing future. As he continues to shine on English shores, Abbas remains committed to proving that he belongs in the national team and is eager to represent Pakistan again.
Pakistan Squad for Sri Lanka Test Series: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Muhammad Huraira, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shan Masood
