Misbah-ul-Haq to play in Grade Two cricket ahead of PSL

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Misbah-ul-Haq is all set to participate in Quaid-e-Azam Grade Two tournament for his home team Faisalabad ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The 44-year-old had led his side to a victory in the 2017 edition of the competition and helped Faisalabad team qualify for the country's premier first-class tournament Quaid-e-Azam trophy. But the team, later, lost six straight games following which they were relegated.

Misbah said that helping Faisalabad regain their Grade One spot is his biggest motivation behind playing in the competition, adding that their aim is to qualify for the first-class tournament again. He further admitted that the tournament would help him prepare for the PSL.

"The biggest motivation for me is to help Faisalabad regain their Grade One spot. We were relegated last season and our aim is to qualify for first-class cricket again; this is what we can strive to do for our region," ESPNcricinfo quoted Misbah, as saying.

"Such events also provide an opportunity to work with younger players, to spend time with them to work on their game and transfer experience. On a personal note the tournament should help me prepare for the PSL," he added.

Misbah, who announced his retirement from the international cricket in 2017, has been quite active in domestic cricket. Time and again he has turned to the domestic-level cricket to improve his game.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad, who was handed over a four-month ban for violating anti-doping rules, will also be playing in the tournament.

Shehzad said that he is focused on working hard and improving his game. While asserting that Grade Two is a platform where a lot of players emerge, the right-hand batsman said that he is looking forward to delivering to his best of the abilities.

"The last few months were very tough for me; I badly missed playing cricket especially since the sport is a childhood passion of mine and an integral part of my life," Shehzad said.

"I am more focused than ever and have worked hard on improving my mindset and other aspects of the game. I am really looking forward to representing Faisalabad. Grade Two is a platform from where a lot of players have emerged and I am eager to deliver to the best of my ability for my team," he added.

Pakistan Super League is slated to be held from February 14 in the United Arab Emirates.