Overseas success makes Pakistan strong contender in CT: Hafeez

Pakistan's vice-captain, Mohammad Hafeez, feels the success rate the team enjoyed over the last few years after being forced to play away from home, makes it a strong contender for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy in England.
Hafeez told reporters during the national training camp in Abbotabad that despite being forced to play the home matches at neutral venues, Pakistan still had a 60 to 65 percent success rate in the last three years.
"The good thing about our team is that we have been playing in different countries and still producing good results with a success rate of 60-65 per cent," he said.

He pointed out that even in ICC events Pakistan had done well in recent times.
"This makes Pakistan a strong contender in the tournament and the good thing is that we have a squad that is a blend of youth and experience. When you have youth in the side they are always eager to perform well and cement their places in the side and that is a big plus point for us," he said.
Hafeez who had a horrible time in the Test series in South Africa this year while opening the innings, said the players had learnt a lot from that tour.

"It is time to move on and the good thing is that the board decided to set up camp in Abbotabad. Obviously we can't have exactly the same conditions that we will encounter in England but they are similar.

"The weather is cooler and the pitches have grass and moisture and that is good preparation for the Champions Trophy," he said.
Hafeez, 32, said he was not unduly concerned over his recent batting form.
"I have been sticking to my basics and trying to keep my game as uncomplicated as possible. Having greats like Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram has also helped a lot and even a few minutes with them gives you a different insight into the game," he said.