Former Test cricketer Aizaz Cheema, who has been appointed head coach of Pakistan Shaheens for Zimbabwe tour, said it is a chance for young players to make it to the main side.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of Pakistan Shaheens' first training session, Cheema said Zimbabwe tour is an exciting opportunity for him as well as for youngsters.
"I am really excited to work with this talented bunch of players. I have worked with them in domestic cricket and they all are a great talent," said Cheema who played seven Tests, 14 ODIs and five T20Is for Pakistan.
"It is a great opportunity for me as well as for these players. More importantly, Shaheens is a platform for youngsters especially to make it to the main team," he added.
Cheema feels fortunate to see backup players available to Pakistan team. Pakistan Shaheens, having the likes of Test, international and national cricketers, started their training in Karachi today.
"Credit goes to PCB for organising the tour for Shaheens. It is good that we have backup players available. They just need an opportunity to play at international level. This tour will help them groom," he highlighted.
The head coach talked about young sensation Haseebullah and former A team captain Rohail Nazir.
"Haseebullah is an exceptional talent. He needs exposure and he is the future of Pakistan. Rohail is back again, he is a good player and he has now got a chance to prove himself again. I look forward to coaching all these talented cricketers," he asserted.
Personal career
Aizaz took retirement from cricket after his team Central Punjab won the Quaid-e-Azam trophy 2019-20. The right-arm pacer played 140 First-Class games and took 572 wickets.
"Alhamdulillah, I am satisfied with my cricket career. I have no regrets or complaints. I am enjoying my time in coaching and looking forward to more challenges in my coaching life," he said.
It must be noted here Test cricketer Imran Butt will lead Pakistan Shaheens against Zimbabwe in two four-day matches and six 50-over games. International cricketers Shahnzwaz Dahani, Hussain Talat, and Test cricketer Mir Hamza are also part of the squad.
Squad
Imran Butt (captain) (Lahore), Hussain Talat (vice-captain) (Lahore), Aamir Jamal (Islamabad), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Haseebullah (Quetta), Kamran Ghulam (Peshawar), Mehran Mumtaz (Rawalpindi), Mir Hamza (Karachi), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mubasir Khan (Islamabad), Muhammad Umar (Karachi), Omair Bin Yousuf (Karachi), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper) (Islamabad), Sahibzada Farhan (Peshawar) and Shahnawaz Dahani (Larkana). Asif Mehmood (Hyderabad), Athar Mehmood (Gujranwala), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Waqar Ahmad (Peshawar) (all reserves)
Tour schedule:
3-6 May – 1st Four-day match; KSC, Kwekwe
10- 13 May – 2nd Four-day match; MSC, Mutare
17 May – 1st 50-over match; TSC, Harare
19 May – 2nd 50-over match; HSC, Harare
21 May – 3rd 50-over match; HSC, Harare
23 May – 4th 50-over match; OH, Harare
25 May – 5th 50-over match; HSC, Harare
27 May – 6th 50-over match; HSC, Harare
Muzamil Asif