Interview: Mohmmad Shehzad ‘I like MS Dhoni he is a calm personality and the best Captain in the world

Interview: Mohmmad Shehzad ‘I like MS Dhoni he is a calm personality and the best Captain in the world: It is not often that we see, a team attract support from equal number of neutral fans as much as they garner form their own nation. But the Afghanistan cricket team is certainly an exception, as the team receives enormous attention, backing and stanchion from cricket fans around the world. It is their determination, grit and courage to overcome unimaginable circumstances and still continue to be humble, patient and realistic that has not only helped them raise their standards of cricket but also win over hearts of passionate cricket fans.

Afghanistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Shehzad, in a chat with CricketTracker’s Ankit Mishra talks about the Intercontinental cup, their preparations for the Word T20 qualifiers, Afghanistan cricket and more.

How has the intercontinental cup been shaping?

It’s a good chance for the all associate teams to show their talent and prove that they deserve to play test cricket and now it will also show who deserves to be ICC’s 11th full member.

What was the kind of response & reception that the team enjoyed following the ICC world cup?

It was a good response from all over the world it was unexpected. The love from other teams and other people was unbelievable everything was just perfect.

Has your success, rather the determined efforts that this team has been making changed the perception for the game in Afghanistan?

Cricket has changed the perception of people in Afghanistan, now cricket is played all over Afghanistan and it is well known and familiar sport in Afghanistan.

How are the preparations moving for the World T20 qualifiers?

The preparation is going good it’s the holy month here, but still we are playing hard to qualify for the main stage and I am sure we will qualify Insha Allah.

What do you guys expect from the Intercontinental cup and the Qualifiers?

We expect a lot from these events, if we win these titles it will boost our strength and it’s a kind of do or die situation for us; we have to win these events in any case.

Has the experience of competing against the top teams in the world cup helped the youngster’s?

Obviously they have learnt a lot from the senior players we have observed their batting techniques closely; some of them met other players informally and got some tips.

Tell us more about the team, all that the world knows by now is about the few big names in the side that have been playing and performing better than the rest of the guys?

Well we all play good cricket no doubt about it, but sometimes we experience problems due to the change in conditions, but we have some consistent batsmen who can play in any conditions like Sami, Nabi, Shapoor, Asghar, Hamid, Usman, Ghani and Dawlat Zadran.

What do you think will your role be with the team?

I think I need my team and the team need me, unfortunately I missed out some events due to some problems; but now that I am back into the squad and I am sure I won’t let my selectors down with my form.

Which international cricketer did you idolize while developing as a cricketer?

As everyone knows, I follow MS Dhoni. I follow his techniques; he is a good friend and a very good cricketer. I like his calm personality, he is the best captain in the world.

Who do you think has been the best wicketkeeper batsman in international cricket and the best among the present lot?

There have been so many good wicket keepers in the world like Adam Gilchrist. But now a days MS Dhoni and Brendon McCullum are my favorite.

Do the guys wish to be a part of the IPL and the other popular T20 leagues?

No doubt IPL is a big event everyone wants to play there, we have a good side to play IPL, we have pace, the batsmen and the techniques to do well in the IPL.  I think we deserve a chance in big leagues.

Which team do you think will be your toughest opponent in the World T20 qualifiers?

In T20 formats all teams are dangerous you can’t be complacent against any opposition. But Ireland will be a tough side to play they are in good form these days.

And what are the chances that you give yourselves of advancing to the main draw?

I think we are the best side to qualify to the main stages and to the title. We have every element in the squad that the full members have and we deserve these slots.

Lastly a message from you and the entire Afghanistan team for all the enthusiastic supporters, not just from the country but everyone who roots for Afghanistan?

My message for all the fans, is to please support us in any condition, we need your prayers. Whatever we are, we are because of our fans please support us and a big requests to all my fans- please do not believe on fake news shared by fake accounts in my name and do not follow them please follow me on my real accounts.
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