LAHORE: Pakistan's promising batter Abdullah Shafique expressed his excitement and readiness to represent Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup 2023 in India.
Shafique, who is part of the squad, shared his thoughts on his role in the team and his aspirations for the tournament.
"I am very happy to be selected in the World Cup squad," Shafique said while speaking to local media on Monday.
Shafique, 23, is ready to take on any role assigned to him by the team management, showcasing his versatility.
"I joined as the third opener, but I will try to do well whenever I get a chance. Getting the opportunity is not in my hands, but I will take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
"As a professional, you have to make sacrifices, and I am ready to play when I get an opportunity," he added.
The young cricketer also emphasised his commitment to playing according to the management's strategy, stating, "Will try to play according to management's plan."
Shafique recognises the challenges that lie ahead and acknowledges that not only India but every team participating in the World Cup is a formidable opponent.
"Not only India is going to play; everyone is a rival for us. We have to play well in the whole World Cup, not in one match," he asserted.
The World Cup holds a special place in the heart of every cricket player and Shafique is no exception.
"I am very excited because of the World Cup,” he said.
Abdullah Shafique has represented Pakistan in four ODI matches so far, including Pakistan’s final Super 4 game against Sri Lanka, where he scored 52 runs off 69 deliveries.
Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.
Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan
Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:
September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad
Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:
October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
November 11 – vs England in Kolkata
The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.- Abdullah Shafique
