KARACHI: Test fast bowler Mohammad Sami said that he has still not lost the hope of staging a comeback to the Pakistan cricket team.

‘I feel that there is still cricket left in me and that is why I am playing on the domestic circuit for Karachi Blues to win back my place in the team,’ he told APP in an interview here at National Stadium here on Tuesday.

Sami, who will turn 29 next month, joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) following the tour of India in December 2007. He played for the Lahore Badshahs, a team composed entirely of Pakistani cricketers and was barred from playing for the national team by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

‘I will shortly be presenting my NOC to PCB. But I am waiting for my third installment of payments from ICL,’ he maintained.

‘Though I bowled really well in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy but could manage just 12 wickets. I am really working hard to excel and get the attention of selectors,’ he said.

Karachi-born Sami, who was rated as one of the fastest bowlers along with compatriot Shoaib Akhtar and Australian Brett Lee, took eight wickets on his test debut against New Zealand and was eager to again represent Pakistan in Tests as well as One-Day Internationals.

Sami has taken 81 wickets in 33 test at an expensive average of 51.37 but performed far better in ODIs with 118 scalps in 83 matches at an average of 26.49.

‘Representing Pakistan had always been a great honor for me. I am fully focused to produce my best in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy,’ he said.

He praised his opening ball partner Tanvir Ahmed for outstanding performance in the Quaid Trophy with 40 wickets in four matches. ‘Due to his excellent bowling we recorded three victories,’ he commented.

Commenting on the security fears among the players in Rawalpindi, he said there were tremors and suicide attacks in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad so there were some worries from the players’ families in Karachi.

Karachi Blues Coach and former test opener Sadiq Muhammad said Sami bowled magnificently and beat the batsmen time and again but could not get the reward he deserved.—APP