June 21, 2017
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fast bowler Junaid Khan said on Wednesday that no one had predicted that the cricket team would return as champions but the players always believed they could do it.
The fast pacer was talking to the media at the Swabi Interchange on the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway after arriving in Islamabad from London following Pakistan’s victory at the Champions Trophy 2017.
Terming the team’s victory in the eight-country tournament a matter of pride, he said, “We were under pressure but had nothing to lose.” The batsmen performed superbly in the last match while the bowlers continued their commendable performance, he added.
When asked who he would like to give credit for the country’s victory, he said the Pakistan Cricket Board should be commended for taking the team to the tournament’s venue weeks in advance so the players could acclimatise with the ground environment. He added that the Pakistan Super League also deserves credit for brining to the fore young, talented players who helped turn the tide for the team.
“Senior international players point out how we have won despite having played no cricket at home for almost a decade,” he said further.
When asked if he was fasting during the match, he said the players do not fast on match days as it becomes difficult to perform well physically.
Earlier, Khan arrived in a private airline’s flight at Benazir Bhutto International Airport where strict security measures were in place to help the cricketer traverse through scores of fans and media.
Also on Wednesday, Mohammad Hafeez arrived at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore. He then proceeded to his residence along with his family members.
Talking to the media, Hafeez said the credit for their victory goes to the entire team. He added that the performance of both senior and junior players was outstanding throughout the tournament.
He stressed how important it was that new players be included in the team.
