Monday, May 27, 2013

Dubai

Imran Nazir who is one among the finest hard hitting batsmen in the game would have been part of the Pakistan team for the next month’s Champions Trophy had not an injury shattered his plans. He was part of the 2012 Twenty20 Pakistan World Cup squad and his team could have used his aggressive skills to gain a quick start in the Champions Trophy.

Nazir who missed the opportunity is here to play in the Grand Midwest Sharjah Sixes tournament. “I have been out of action due to fitness reasons. I am suffering from tennis elbow and it is an injury which takes long to recover. Hopefully I will be ready for Pakistan in time for the next tournament,” said 31-year-old Nazir, who has hit two centuries and nine half centuries in One-day cricket.

Among his centuries are his finest knocks. “I consider my knock of 160 against Zimbabwe in the 2007 World Cup in West Indies as my best. Though I value my Test knock of 131 runs against West Indies at Bridgetown (2000-01 series) as the innings of my life,” said Nazir, who is now dubbed as a Twenty20 specialist.

Nazir has not complaints on being considered a T20 specialist. “I love all three formats of the game though I have got the label of T20 specialist. In whichever format I play I try and give my hundred percent. I have failed at times but I don’t like to give up. I am a hard worker and will continue to try again and again to give my best,” he said.

Though Nazir has crossed the age of thirty he is hopeful of many more years of cricket. “My return to international cricket depends on my fitness but whatever cricket is remaining in me I want to give my best,” said Nazir, who plays for Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited in Pakistan’s domestic cricket.

Talking about his aggressive batting, Nazir said: “I have been a natural aggressive player from a very early age and when Twenty20 format arrived it suited my style of batting. Frankly I enjoy T20 as it is a nice short format.”

When asked with whom he would love opening an innings, Nazir said: “My dream is to open an innings with Chris Gayle. He is really special.”

Nazir who will interact with fans during the Super Sixes tournament has an advice to youngsters. “My biggest advice to everyone is to work hard on fitness. If only you are fit you can achieve success,” he said.

By K.R. Nayar Chief Cricket Writer

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