'I want to win World Cup for Pak'
Hasan Ali claimed a five-wicket haul during the first T20I against Bangladesh on Wednesday. Photo. AFP
Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali on Thursday expressed his strong desire to help Pakistan win the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, calling every match an opportunity to prove himself after a tough battle with injury and rehabilitation.
Speaking on the Pakistan Cricket Board's podcast, Hasan reflected on his journey back to the national side and the emotional weight of returning to form.
"If you ask me, I want to play for Pakistan in the World Cup and win it for my country. For me, every match is now an opportunity, and I will give my 100 percent," he said.
The 30-year-old made a stunning comeback on Wednesday in the first T20I against Bangladesh at Gaddafi Stadium, taking a five-wicket haul and becoming only the fourth Pakistani bowler to achieve this feat in T20Is.
Hasan emphasised that while a player's performance can fluctuate, consistent effort is non-negotiable.
"Performance may vary, but your effort on the field should always be visible. At the end of the day, I want to leave the field with the satisfaction that I gave my all," he said.
Reflecting on his injury and the rehab phase, Hasan said the journey back was filled with challenges.
"Coming back from injury is never easy. There is a unique pressure to it. I am grateful and proud that I managed to get fit again. A lot of hard work went into it, and I am finally seeing the results," Hasan said.
He described his return to the Pakistan team as a dream come true and reaffirmed his determination to perform at the highest level.
"It feels like a dream has come true. I am very excited and committed to performing well for the team. There is no substitute for hard work," he concluded.
Nawaz wants to win
Pakistan's aggressive batter Hasan Nawaz on Thursday expressed his strong determination to deliver top performances for the national team.
He revealed that he has now been assigned a middle-order role, which he is fully committed to fulfilling.
Hasan played a blistering innings of 44 runs off just 22 balls, including four sixes and two fours, in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Wednesday - a knock that played a key role in Pakistan's victory.
The 22-year-old also impressed in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 while playing for Quetta Gladiators, where he finished as the third-highest run-scorer.
Hasan amassed 399 runs in the tournament, including one century and three half-centuries.
Speaking on the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) podcast, Hasan said that although he has primarily opened the batting throughout his career, he is now ready to adapt to his new responsibility in the middle order.
"I have always been an opener. I did not know I could perform this well in the middle order too. But now that I have been given the role, I will try my best to fulfill it," he said.
Hasan also shared that he never succumbs to pressure - rather, he thrives under it.
"Whether it's domestic cricket or the PSL, I have never felt pressure. I actually play better under pressure, and that is why my performance remains strong."
Expressing his ambitions, Hasan said he aims to play and win as many matches as possible for Pakistan. He also dreams of being part of a World Cup-winning squad.
"My goal is to play and win more matches for Pakistan. My dream is to be part of the team whenever Pakistan wins a major trophy," he concluded.
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