Mohammad Sami.—AFP

KARACHI: Of all Pakistan players who have the honour of playing international cricket, the title of most enigmatic among the lot will rest with Mohammad Sami, the fast bowler who has been recalled for the two-match Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe.

The right-arm speedster has been given yet another opportunity to resurrect what has been a chequered playing career for Pakistan after performing well for Karachi Dolphins in the recent Super 8 T20 Cup in Faisalabad.

In an exclusive interview, the 34-year-old said on Thursday that he never lost hope of representing the country despite a three-year hiatus from international arena.

Read: Sami, Malik return as Pakistan announce squad for Zimbabwe T20s

“People might have different opinions about me and some would claim I’m too old to merit selection. But my philosophy is that as long as you keep on performing, the selectors will eventually take notice,” Sami told Dawn from Lahore on eve of the first Twenty20 which will mark the return of international cricket to Pakistan after more than six years.

“In fact, I would consider myself extremely fortunate to be among a group of players who will be playing their part in the restoration of international cricket on our home soil after those years of frustration. Let’s hope and pray the Zimbabwe matches will pave way for other sides to play in Pakistan. Our people want to see their players perform in front of them.”

When asked how he felt about his umpteenth comeback attempt, Sami observed that everything it happened, he was not under any pressure.

“Obviously repeated comebacks are not ideal for any sportsperson. But the individual is not at fault because it is the system that makes it work. Personally, I used to get annoyed, particularly in the early years of my international career,” Sami admitted. “But as the time goes by one gets used to the existing culture. Now I don’t feel agitated or anything of that sort. You learn a lot as you grow and become mature as a person.”

Sami’s career has been quite topsy-turvy. After making a sensational entry into Test cricket with a fiery debut haul of eight wickets, including 5-36 — his best-ever innings figures to-date — against New Zealand at Auckland, he seldom commanded a regular spot in Pakistan XI.

In 36 Tests, the last appearance being against Sri Lanka at Pallekele, Sami has taken 85 wickets at a disappointing average of 52.74. But his track record in limited-overs cricket is quite impressive in contrast. In 85 One-day Internationals, he has bagged 121 wickets at 28.52 with an economy of 4.94.

If he plays on Thursday, Sami will be playing just his sixth Twenty20 International. He is very keen to set the record straight this time after taking a career-best 3-16 in a series-levelling victory against Sri Lanka at Hambantota in June 2012.

“The irony of that performance was when we returned home from the Sri Lanka tour, I was dropped from the Pakistan side and never considered again until now,” Sami pointed.

“But I don’t hold grudge against even those who gave me the cold shoulder since then. Perhaps, my career was destined to go in that direction.

“But before I finish playing I’ll prove that I belong here and would want to go out on a high. Age does not matter but fitness and form do. Watching Misbah and Younis as well as Saeed Ajmal in action have been a great source of inspiration for me. If these guys still are able to perform at the top level, then why can’t me,” concluded Sami.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2015

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