LAHORE: Pakistan’s young dynamic batter Saim Ayub asserted that he watched the videos of Saeed Anwar’s batting and wants to be idolized like the legendary batter.
Saim interacted with the media ahead of Pakistan’s squad’s first training session for the upcoming home series against New Zealand and responded to a question regarding his comparison with batting great Saeed.
“Look, I have watched the videos of Saeed Anwar. I mostly watch videos of left-handers. But, at some point, he was also my age and was famous as I am now,” stated Saim.
“So, the way he became a legend, I will try to make a name for myself and people idolize me,” he added.
The young left-handed batter also expressed his delight over getting retained in the T20I squad and shared that he was willing to take any role in the national team.
“I am really excited to play my second international series. I am ready to take any role in the team. I am focused to play and perform,” stated Saim Ayub.
READ: Pakistan squad reports at NCA, kicks off training for New Zealand series
Saim Ayub also reflected upon his experience of playing under the leadership of Babar Azam during his stint with Peshawar Zalmi in the recently-held eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), stated that he enjoyed batting alongside Pakistan captain.
“I enjoyed a lot while playing alongside Babar under his captaincy,” shared Saim Ayub.
“Babar gives a lot of confidence. So far, I have enjoyed my time with Babar and I hope it will continue for a long period of time,” he added.
A promising season with the bat in the PSL 8, in which he scored 341 runs in 12 matches, at a strike rate of 165.53 with the help of five half-centuries, earned Saim his maiden national call-up.
The left-handed batter opened the innings for Pakistan in the three-match series against Afghanistan and scored 66 runs in as many matches, including a sensible 49-run knock in the final fixture.