When you are playing for the national side, you have to be selfless: Sohaib Maqsood

Pakistan’s batsman Sohaib Maqsood is all set to make a comeback in the team after as many as five years. Maqsood has been included in Pakistan’s squad for the limited-overs series against England and West Indies. The 34-year-old earned a place in the team with his impressive performances in the just-concluded sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League.

Maqsood essayed the role of the opening batsman for Multan Sultans scoring 428 runs, the third-highest in the tournament, at an impressive strike rate of 156.78. Ahead of the England tour, Maqsood reckoned that he is ready to play at whatever position the team wants him to. 

There is no place in Pakistan’s top-order, thus, the 34-year-old is ready to bat in the middle-order too. “First thing you need to look at is whether that slot [where a player bats in domestic cricket] is available in international cricket. The players who are already performing in those slots have the first right to play there. 

“I have played lower down the order in the initial matches of PSL and I performed a bit as well. So, for the team, whichever number I’m asked to play, I will be available and I will try to give my 100 percent. When you are playing for the national side, you have to be selfless. If I’m unable to do well, I won’t use this an excuse as it’s my duty to play wherever I’m asked to,” he added.   

I will continue to play fearlessly as I did in domestic cricket: Sohaib Maqsood

Further in the interaction, Sohaib Maqsood stressed the fact that he won’t change his batting style and will continue playing the fearless brand of cricket. Speaking about his sacking from the team five years back, the right-hander asserted that poor shot selection and injuries hampered his career. 

“I will continue to play fearless cricket as I did in domestic cricket. Losing my place in the side no longer affects me the way it used to as I’m making a comeback after five and a half years. Hopefully, this approach will improve my chances of doing well. 

“During the three years when I was part of the national side, I did perform but was not consistent enough. Injuries and poor shot selection were the reason behind that. I will try to not repeat the same mistakes and continue to play with the same mindset, which has helped me make a comeback,” Maqsood concluded.