I hope more teams will come to Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez is optimistic of more teams visiting the country after Sri Lanka who are set to play the third T20I of the series in Lahore. The ongoing three-match series is scheduled to conclude on October 29 as the island nation has agreed to tour Pakistan for the one-off game. Hafeez was overwhelmed with the cricket returning to his beloved country and thanked Sri Lankan players for helping them in reviving the International cricket.

The home side is currently leading the series 1-0 after their comfortable seven-wicket win over the inexperienced visitors on Thursday. Sarfraz Ahmed led side continued from where they left in the ODI format and replicated their performances in the shorter formats. Sri Lanka too, unfortunately, couldn’t get out of the rut and missed the experienced players. No batsmen apart from Seekkuge Prasanna looked comfortable in the middle as they were bowled out for a paltry total of 102 while batting first on a slow wicket.

Looking forward to welcome Sri Lanka

Mohammad Hafeez was extremely excited with the international cricket returning to Pakistan and hoped that the game continues to revive in the country. “We would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts and welcome them. Everyone is excited to have them back in Pakistan. The World XI visit was one of the first step towards reviving cricket in Pakistan. With Sri Lanka coming it will be a great moment for Pakistan cricket. After this visit, I hope more teams will come to Pakistan. We want to host them with lot of hospitality. It will be a great game god willing,” he told reporters during the press conference after the match on Thursday.

The 37-year-old made his comeback into the side after being dropped for the World XI series and fared decently. He was brilliant with the ball and returned with the figures of 2/10. Hafeez also played a patient knock with the bat by scoring 25 off 23 deliveries. “It’s all about playing your role for the team. I wasn’t thinking that this was my comeback to the side or anything like that. I wasn’t there in the last series. Just wanted to play my role. We are playing really well and Pakistan’s future is looking good as everyone is coming up with important performances,” he added.