Asad Shafiq seeking T20 improvement through PSL

Pakistan middle-order batsman aims to improve strike rate in shortest format

Pakistan Test batsman Asad Shafiq believes that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) provides him with a learning opportunity to play T20 cricket which requires a greater strike-rate than he currently has under his belt.

In an interview with Sports 360, Shafiq said the tournament allows for a good platform for him to improve.

“It’s a big opportunity for me and for every other player in the league to perform well and perform in front of everybody,” he said. “It’s a good platform for me as well to learn more about T20 cricket.”



While the 31-year-old batsman has regularly featured for Pakistan in Tests, his poor show in limited overs formats has kept him at bay from the ODI and T20I squads. However, he now aims to improve his strike-rate in the shorter formats of the game.

“I really want to improve my strike-rate because it is very important in this format,” he said. “It’s all about intensity. I have to take my intensity level up to score big in T20s because it’s a very short format so you don’t have much time to get in, really get set and then play your shots. I have to change my approach and I want to improve my intensity.”



Moreover, Shafiq, who currently plays at the top order for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, said that he hopes to move up the order in the national team too, as he has become synonymous with number six in Pakistan’s Test side.

“Personally, I always prefer to bat at the top of the order, number three or four," he said. “I’d like to be there, but what matters is what the team requires from me. If the team wants me to play at six then I’m really happy with this as well.”