LAHORE — Pakistan’s newly selected opener Abid Ali Sunday expressed confidence that despite strained political relations India’s legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar will give him a hug and a few batting tips at next month’s World Cup.

The 31-year old has been a prolific run scorer in Pakistan’s domestic cricket and broke into the national one-day squad for the World Cup after smashing a century on his debut against Australia in Dubai last month.

Abid is almost the same height as Tendulkar and bats in a similar style, but has a long way to match the Indian maestro’s phenomenal record of most Test runs (15,921), most one-day runs (18,426), most Test hundreds (51) and most one-day centuries (49) to name a few.

“It’s my wish and hope that I meet Sachin Tendulkar,” Abid told a group of journalists.

“Definitely, I would like to hug him and I am sure that just like all great players meet youngsters I am sure that he will not turn me down.

“I am sure that if I want to get any information on cricket from Sachin, he will give a positive reply.”

Abid said it will be a memorable day when he meets his idol.

“It will be the best day in my life when I meet him (Tendulkar) because he was one of the best batsmen.

“West Indian Viv Richards was also a great so I want to meet all the great players and learn from them,” said Abid.

Tension between India and Pakistan rose to a near-war level since Feb. 14 militant attacks on Indian side of Kashmir which left 44 army personnel killed.

Later there were calls that India should not play the 2019 World Cup match with Pakistan scheduled for Manchester on June 16.

Despite the bitterness, players from both sides enjoy cordial relations.

Indian captain Virat Kohli presented his bat to Pakistan’s fast bowler Mohammad Amir during the World Twenty20 in India three years ago as a sign of appreciation of his talent.

Abid said he had followed Tendulkar’s batting style from his early days.

“Actually I have followed Sachin’s technique from day one of my career and after watching him I tried to play like him. He was a great player, just like our own Inzamamul Haq and Mohammad Yousuf.

“I adopt their good things and leave any bad thing. If I meet him I will try to talk to him and get some advice, mentally and technically, so that it helps me improve my batting.”

Abid said he will do his best to be known as a good batsman.

“Tendulkar’s record is awesome,” said Abid of the Indian master who retired in 2013.

“I will do my best as and when I get a chance to play for Pakistan and make a name for myself.”

Shadab ruled out

of England series

Pakistan’s fast-rising leg-spinner Shadab Khan has been ruled out of next month’s series against England with a virus, leaving him in doubt for the World Cup.

The 20-year-old is a key wicket-taking option for Pakistan in the ten-team World Cup in England and Wales that starts May 30.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the spinner will receive treatment in the UK.

“Shadab’s blood tests have revealed (a) virus and doctors have advised him a four week rest,” it said in a statement.

“Shadab is out of the five-match one-day series against England and a Twenty20 match (also against England),” it added.

The Pakistan team will fly to England Tuesday and play a five match one-day series against the number one ranked home team, starting May 5.

The PCB said Shadab will meet with specialists in England to help him fully recover for the World Cup opener against the West Indies on May 31 at Trent Bridge.

Shadab has played 34 One-Day Internationals, 32 Twenty20 matches and five Test matches in a promising career that started in 2017.

“The selectors have already included Asif Ali and Mohammad Amir as additional players to the 15-player World Cup squad,” the PCB said. — AFP