Abdul Razzaq expresses desire to play PSL4

Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq believes that he can still convince Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises to pick him for the fourth edition.

Razzaq, who is known for his clean hitting and accurate bowling, says he will prove his fitness through performances in the domestic tournaments and also in the upcoming T10 Cricket League.

“I wanted to play in the PSL but I guess the time for that has passed now,” he said, while talking to Express Tribune. “But I’m playing in T10 and will also be participating in domestic ODI tournament. If I am able to perform and prove my fitness, then I am hopeful of participating in the next PSL as a player.”

Replying to a question, the veteran all-rounder said, “I used to play cricket regularly. But I was being pushed in and out of the team and it becomes difficult for a player to be mentally stable then. I came back in the team between 2009 and 2010 and then was pushed out. This continued for nearly four years. I think I was in my prime in 2007 and I was wasted for the next few years.”

The 38-year-old also commented on former Pakistan coach Waqar Younis’s philosophy of replacing seniors with young players.

“Waqar wanted to bring young players in the team to replace seniors. Every coach has his own methods. I think he was wrong. This shouldn’t happen. If he would’ve taken me with him, that would’ve prolonged my career,” he said.

When asked if it will be justified to say that Pakistan haven’t been able to produce all-rounder of his and Shahid Afridi’s quality, Razzaq said, “There is no doubt that no one was able to fill our place in the team.”

Abdul Razzaq had announced his retirement earlier this year from international cricket after being sidelined from national side for a long period.