"Half My Match Fees Will Go to Imran Khan's Cancer Hospital" Zulqarnain Haider by PakPassion.Net

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Player:

Zulqarnain Haider

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DateLine: 6th August 2010

 

24 year old Lahore born wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider will make his debut against England at Edgbaston on Friday, after vice captain Kamran Akmal was dropped for his indifferent performance in the first test defeat at Nottingham.

 

Akmal whose wicketkeeping was well below par at Trent Bridge, has paid the price for a poor performance with the gloves as well as a pair with the bat. Akmal hands over the wicketkeeping reigns to the tall ZTBL wicketkeeper.

 

Haider who has represented Pakistan previously in one Twenty20 international spoke of his delight at being given an opportunity in 5 day cricket.

 

"It's an absolute honour to be given a chance to represent one's country. There is no bigger honour for a cricketer than to play for your country in test cricket. When I first became involved in club cricket, my only thought was to improve to such a level that I would be given a chance to play for my country. I'm absolutely delighted and can't wait to walk out there with my team mates wearing my green Pakistan cap."

 

Haider though whilst being excited at the thought of making his first test appearance for Pakistan, was also emotional at the thought of making his test debut and recalled the sad occasion of his mother's passing as a pivotal moment in his life.

 

"My mother (may she rest in peace) passed away 12 years ago after suffering from cancer. When she sadly passed away I made a vow to myself that when I made my test debut I would donate half my match fee to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital. My family and I felt so helpless at her time of illness and vowed that we would do our utmost to ensure that others would not suffer in the same way in Pakistan in future. I made the vow and will stick by it and ensure that the funds are sent to the Shaukat Khanum Hospital right away."

 

Haider added that no doubt there will be nerves tomorrow, but he is confident in his own ability.

 

"I ask all my friends and fans to pray for my success. Yes I'll be nervous but once that first ball has landed safely in my gloves, the nerves will ease and I have faith in my own ability."

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
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