Rumman Raees, the medium pacer who cemented a place in the national T20 side following his consistent performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), termed the T20 league "a great platform" and thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board for giving a chance to "cricketers like him".

While talking to DawnNews, Raees said he had patiently waited for his opportunity. "I knew I would get my chance so I just focused on that and never gave up," he said.

"I am very confident about improving my abilities and I think I have proven in the two matches that I have played for Pakistan, that international cricket is a challenge I genuinely enjoy," he maintained.

Commenting on the attacking brand of cricket being infused by Coach Mickey Arthur, Raees said, "I have had a chance to work with him. He is very focused on fitness and wants us to play an attacking brand of cricket."

"He wants us to pick wickets and attack the opposition. I am used to such demands after playing for Islamabad United [the PSL franchise Raees plays for] so I feel comfortable with him [Arthur]."

Appreciating Sarfaraz's captaincy, Raees said, "I have grown up playing with Sarfraz. He is a very intelligent captain and that is good to know as a bowler."

"He [Sarfaraz] understands my strengths and use me in pressure situations, in the death overs too, because he knows I enjoy the pressure of a batsman trying to go after me," said Raees.

Sarfraz has been a very successful captain at the domestic level and will be very effective at the international stage, he added.

The PSL platform

Rumman Raees was grateful for playing in the PSL, as he noted that it allowed him to enter the global spotlight. "I would like to thank the PCB for PSL, it is a great platform for players like me."

"I had previously done considerably well in the domestic T20 cup but it was the first edition of PSL with Islamabad United when I first got into the limelight."

"You look at Shadab, PSL provided him with an opportunity to showcase his skills to the world. PSL is a great platform, it will prevent players from disappearing from the cricket scene," said Raees.

'Best bowler under pressure in PSL'

Head coach of Islamabad United Dean Jones highlighted how Rumman Raees' performance backed him as an attacking bowler in the final overs.

"I think Rumman Raees should be getting more opportunities than he is at the moment. Don't forget he was the best fast bowler under pressure in the PSL," said Jones.

"I have never seen a person enjoy bowling more when the batsmen are going after him. Raees is a very different breed," said the Islamabad United coach.

He said that Raees getting faster each year. "The thing is you need to be intelligent with your variations in modern day limited overs cricket and Raees is as intelligent as they come," Jones maintained.