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Misbah still hopes of playing T20 matches for Pakistan

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Press Trust of India Lahore

"I still enjoy playing this format (Twenty20) and I will continue to do so at the domestic level. If required I am available for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka," he told reporters.

The senior batsman, who turns 38 next week, said he was not disappointed at the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to appoint Mohammad Hafeez as the new T20 captain.

"My job now is to focus on the other two formats of the sport and ensure that as a team we improve our performance and rankings," Misbah said.

"If we are at the top of our game on the coming tour to Sri Lanka we can do this," he added.

 

Misbah said he and Hafeez had played a lot of cricket together.

"He (Hafeez) will be my vice-captain for Tests and ODIs in Sri Lanka and we will work together to get the best possible results."

The PCB last week removed Misbah as the T20 captain and appointed Hafeez in his place.

But Misbah has been retained as captain for Tests and ODIs for the coming tour to Sri Lanka.

Misbah also said that Pakistan team was progressing well in the fitness department of players.

"We are working hard in the fielding and fitness departments and it is good to have a specialist fielding coach (Julian Fountain) with us now.

"Whether it was under Waqar Younis (former coach) and Ijaz Ahmed (fielding coach) everyone did a good job and now Julian is doing a great job and I think we have shown good improvement in fielding and fitness," he said.

  

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First Published: May 18 2012 | 10:15 PM IST

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