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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s all-rounder Hammad Azam feels the Indian Premier League (IPL) is gloomy without Pakistani cricketers but still hopes that one day he will be able to walk out in front of the crowds at the IPL.
“Everyone knows that Pakistani cricketers are currently not being given the opportunity to play in the IPL but I believe that the tournament would be a greater spectacle with the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers. I am hopeful that one day the situation will be resolved and my countrymen and I will be able to walk out in front of the crowds at the IPL,” he told Pakpassion.net.
Talking about the recent postponement by the Bangladesh Cricket Board of the proposed two-match series, Hammad said the postponement of the Bangladesh team's tour of Pakistan was very disappointing for all of the players and cricket fans in Pakistan.
“We were really looking forward to playing international cricket on home soil and for the matches to be postponed was very sad.”
Hammad, who is a member of the ongoing training camp at the National Cricket Academy at Lahore and is working under the supervision of coaches Dav Whatmore and Julien Fountain, said he is now ready to establish himself in the national limited overs side.
“I am hopeful that going forward I can repay the faith shown in me by the captain and coaching staff. I certainly do not see anything wrong with the number of matches I have played or the small number of opportunities I have been given, rather I see it as a challenge to establish myself in international cricket and I feel I am ready to meet that challenge,” he said.
Hammad said he has really enjoyed working with both Dav Whatmore and Julien Fountain.
“Both Dav and Julien make us work hard, but at the same time it's very enjoyable. They are great guys and have great insight into the game of cricket,” he concluded.
