‘Tough to break into Pakistan team as a bowler’

Abu Dhabi: Not so long ago, Pakistan paceman Junaid Khan was an integral part of the Pakistan set-up but recurring injuries has seen him in and out of the squad since 2015 and now he has a tough fight on his hands to win back his place.

The reinstatement of the tainted Mohammad Amir into the senior team has made the task all the more daunting for the left-armer Junaid, whose pace, movement and aggression once drew comparisons with Pakistan legend Wasim Akram.

Currently the skipper of the Pakistan A team which is involved in a series against England Lions in the UAE, Junaid is also well aware that it is now or never for him. The going hasn’t been that great for the 26-year-old as his side has been at the receiving end in international cricket. Though Junaid showed signs of his old self in the T20 series, they lost the contest 3-2 and are currently trailing 2-0 in the five-match 50-overs matches series against the Lions. They lost the first match by five wickets and the second, on Friday, by 69 runs in which Khan was put under the pump and finished with forgettable figures of 7-0-56-0.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News on the sidelines of the Pakistan Super League’s recent launch in Dubai, Junaid spoke about his struggle with injury and his resolve to get back into the national team. Excerpts:

It must have been really frustrating to be in and out of the side for a while now and to miss out on the 2015 World Cup due to injuries...

Yes it was very much frustrating for me as all the while, my target was to be the part of the 2015 World Cup squad and I missed out. When I came back from the injury I was not very much in rhythm. But by the grace of God, I would say, I have got my rhythm back and got some wickets in domestic cricket.

Has it made you all the more determined to get a place in the squad for T20 World Cup?

Yes, very much. Who would not want to be a part of the World Cup squad. We all are working towards it. I want to impress and if I can do that I’m sure I will be in the reckoning. I know that can only happen if I keep doing well and picking up wickets.

Coming out of the injury, did you alter anything in your bowling?

I have spoken with Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and I have also done a lot of work with my trainer Yasir Malik. My fitness level has also increased. I haven’t cut down on pace or anything but it is all about getting into peak form which I’m confident of. I can feel I’m there.

How was the experience of leading a team against the England Lions?

It is a different challenge for me. Playing against the England Lions team is a good test for all of us. They have a good side with a mixture of experience and youth. We lost the T20 series against them 3-2 but we have some senior players who are also performing well. Hopefully, we can make amends in the ODIs.

Will you say that the comeback of Mohammad Amir has made the competition tougher for you to break into the squad?

It is always tough to break into the team because Pakistan always have some or the other bowlers waiting in the wings. The competition has always been there and that’s also a good thing because it keeps you on your toes. I have to battle my way sure but I’m ready to do that.

What do you think about the Pakistan Super League (PSL)?

I’m playing for Peshawar Zalmi and we will have some strong support from fans back home. If you see the papers and social websites, people are talking and supporting the tournament and this team. We have Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz and some good players who are T20 specialists. We will have good support with a lot of people from Peshawar and Pathans based here in the UAE.

What sort of a difference can PSL bring about to Pakistan cricket?

Huge difference I would say. For me again, it is a big opportunity as I’m no longer a part of the ODI and T20 squad. So it is important for me to do well as a pacer. Since this tournament will be going live and there will be a lot of media coverage, it’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss out on. This format is happening ahead of the T20 World Cup and if you can impress then you could very much be on that World Cup squad.

Do you think PSL can have the same impact what IPL did in T20 cricket?

Yes, I think it certainly will as our players made an impact and pulled in more crowds when we were apart of the inaugural IPL. I’m not saying that IPL didn’t do well after that but people want to see Pakistan players in action. I think the relationship with India is also improving and it was disappointing for our players to miss out after the inaugural IPL. Hopefully, things will improve and we will get a chance to play there and they will get to play here. The level of the T20 tournament, be it IPL or PSL, will improve if that happens.