Rana Naved, who made a comeback into the Pakistan team has justified playing for the ICL in an exclusive chat with espnstar.com.

By Rajarshi Gupta and Ayanjit Sen

Naved, who was named in the ODI squad in Sri Lanka, along with Imran Nazir looked back at what was the most “difficult phase” of his life.

“We didn’t get opportunities to play for the national team and we had to take to the ICL.

It was a difficult phase for me and a lot of my compatriots. For instance, when I went to England to play county cricket, they asked me to severe ties with my ICL team to be considered for selection.”

Naved, who earned a 'C' category with the team, might have been away from the Pakistani team but his performance in the ICL matches gave hope of a return to mainstream cricket.

“I am glad with my show there (in the ICL). I performed well there and it was a good move to get us back.”

The right arm swing bowler thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council, for giving the likes of him a “new lease of life”.

“I am thankful to the authorities and the board. Now, I have to repose my faith in the selectors and get back to doing what I have done for Pakistan cricket.”

Naved, who returned to Pakistan from England, where he spent a quiet vacation with his family was overwhelmed by the support Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Yousuf  (former ICL recruits) received on their comeback to the Pakistani dressing room.

“Razzaq and Yousuf have done brilliantly on their return. I am sure the team will support Nazir and me the same way when we head to Sri Lanka.”

Naved might as well draw some inspiration from the two. Yousuf scored a hundred in his first Test on return and stroked a crucial 93 in the first innings of the third Test against Sri Lanka while Razzaq reminded the world of a young man who would tear down on batsmen with his nippy pace in England in the ICC World Twenty20.

Naved watched and relished his team’s conquest of the ICC World T20 but already has realised what needs to be done once he touches down in the Emerald Isles.

“We won the ICC World T20 but we have played badly in the Tests in Sri Lanka. I am well prepared to play my role there.

Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Tillekaratne Dilshan are all in good form with the bat and my task as bowler will be cut out.”

He also harped on how there will be not much pressure on him given the pitches in Sri Lanka aren’t too different from the ones in Pakistan.
“The pitch will have swing and movement and the ball will swing. They will be good for the faster bowlers and anything can happen.”

The ICL, it appears, is now a thing of the past. Naved is all set to make another charge on national glory.