KARACHI: President of Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association (PDCA) and former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif says that Pakistan disabled team is capable of winning the Tri-Nation T20 series, which will be held in July in England.

If Pakistan wins this tournament, it will be a milestone for Pakistan disabled cricket. England and Bangladesh are strong teams, but looking at the performance of Pakistan in the last edition, I am confident that they can win the tournament having one of the best players of the world, said Latif.

After three-day trials, a 16-member squad for the Tri-nation series was announced by the selection committee including Chief Selector Iqbal Imam and its members, Sabih Haider, Javed Ashraf and Muhammad Javed.

The committee also announced four reserve players for the series. The squad includes four uncapped players, including Malik Kashif, Saifullah, Mohammad Haris and Waqif Shah along with the best performers of the Pakistan team, Hasnain Alam, Matloob Qureshi, Jahanzaib Tiwana and Skipper Nihar Alam.

Pakistan Disabled team in the last edition held at Dubai, trounced England in the final to win the tournament. England being the co-founder of Disabled Cricket along with Pakistan, will be hosting the tournament for the first time.

He said that playing in England would help the players get ready for future assignments, and added that England could give a tough time on their home ground but Pakistan was in form.

Rashid said disabled cricket has a bright future. Following the interest of some cricket boards in this form of cricket, the Disabled Cricket World Cup will be held in England next year which is a big achievement and a boost for disabled cricket.

He also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board for partial funding and providing lodging, practice matches and camp facilities at the National Stadium here and also thanked the sponsors for their continuous support.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2018