The worldwide pandemic is a dark tunnel, yet there is light at the end of every tunnel. Covid-19 changed a team of cricketers into a close-knit family for us, thus it ended up being a blessing in disguise. The limitations of the bio-secure bubble were extremely important in causing this.
The bio-secure environment meant that we were cut off from the outside world on tours, and everything we wanted to do had to be done in the team environment. Before the epidemic, we had travelled together and shared the same dressing room, dining facilities, and prayer mats.
I'm referring about months here, not days!
While these limitations had various effects on other athletes and teams, they had a good effect on us, as we evolved from being buddies and well-wishers to caring individuals who enjoyed each other's achievements and also learned to forgive. We had the chance to get to know one other better and get closer as a result.
Of course, Azam and his presence around us were another key. Not only was he leading us from the front, but he also exuded immense confidence in the team. He had done away with the senior-junior division and introduced the idea that "everyone matters."
I want to give captain a lot of respect for his man management abilities, for managing the expectations and responsibilities of being the captain, and for performing consistently well and professionally day in and day out at such a young age. Through his impeccable work ethic, compassionate demean and outstanding performances, he had established himself as a deserving leader who had gained the respect of his peers and coworkers.
Now, we are more than simply an 11 or 15-player squad; we are a family that values cooperation, harmony, and teamwork and practices a never-say-die attitude. We have established a culture where a young person can express themselves honestly and freely in front of elders, and this has helped us to become more cohesive, open, and productive.
Being back in the United Arab Emirates makes us all really happy. In the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, which was held around a year ago, we had a wonderful run and have some pleasant recollections of Dubai. Before that, we had outstanding results here against the best teams in all three forms.
Although the changing area is serene and unhurried, we remain vigilant. Our goal is to make things clear and uncomplicated while concentrating on only one game at a time.
Like any tournament, Sunday's game is crucial because it will determine the tone for the other games. However, we are not overthinking, which was a strategy that all of us used last year.
Being without Shaheen Shah is a setback since he is our primary strike bowler. But the appeal of cricket is that it is a team sport rather than an individual one. Our family is blessed with a number of match-winning bowlers, and I have faith that Harris Rauf, Muhammad Waseem, Shahnawaz, and others will step up and successfully fill Shaheen's enormous shoes.
Personally, I aspire to be an Asia Cup player. Considering how many top-tier rivals there are, I am aware that it is easier said than done, but everything is possible if you put your mind to it. I'm still determined to giving it my all, and I have faith that my efforts will be recognized with success and accomplishments.
It would be wonderful if I could make my aspirations of becoming the player of the competition a reality, but the main goal is to help Pakistan win the glistening trophy; anything else is just a bonus.
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