Asif Zakir expectant of playing for Pakistan someday soon

The first-class format of cricket has long been known to introduce the world to some of the most talented players of the game. 34 year-old Asif Zakir is such a prodigy of Pakistan first-class cricket, with a highly impressive track record in domestic tournaments. Although he’s still an uncapped player, Zakir dreams of playing for his nation someday soon.

Zakir ended the 2016-17 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy as the second highest run-getter of the tournament, with a total score of 853 runs at an excellent average of 85.3. Although he was named in the fitness camp in 2016 organised by the Pakistan Army for players who were later going to participate in the tour of England in the same year, Zakir was unable to make it to the next stage and is yet to receive a national call-up.

Asif Zakir working hard to make it to the Pakistan national team

As quoted by Pakpassion.net, Zakir said, “I was very disappointed when my name was not mentioned for the England tour, but I decided to not give up and keep on working hard. I know that if not tomorrow, then my chance will come the day after and so on. My aim is to continue my efforts and God Willing, I feel I will get an opportunity in the future. I will never give up on my dream to play for Pakistan.”

Zakir has played 130 first-class matches, scoring 7, 557 runs along with  2,940 runs in 78 List-A matches. Reinforcing his dream of playing for his country, the prolific batsman said, “I am definitely looking ahead to playing for Pakistan one day. I am working very hard and I will make any effort needed to achieve the goal of representing my country. Regardless of any setbacks that I may have faced up to now or hurdles that I may face ahead, my future is totally centred around being a cricketer and that is all I am focused on at the moment.”

Currently, Zakir is paying the Lancashire League in England and is keen to utilise the opportunity to perform well and get the attention of the national selectors. “This is my first stint in the Lancashire League where I am representing Burnley. I had heard a lot about the high quality and level of cricket in this league and had always wanted to play in this competition, so I feel very lucky that Burnley signed me up for this season. So far, I have played a few games, but it’s been a great experience as I have had a chance to play some good quality games which are really enjoyable,” commented Zakir.

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