KARACHI - Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has said that he is targeting the upcoming limited-overs games against Sri Lanka to make his international comeback. Irfan, 33, has not played for Pakistan since March, when a stress fracture of the pelvis prematurely ended his World Cup. He did, however, make a return to competitive cricket on Saturday during a domestic T20 tournament in Faisalabad, and picked up a wicket with his very first delivery.
"I am playing here [in Faisalabad] with the permission of the cricket board and selectors," Irfan told PTI. "They wanted to see how I respond after recovering from the injury and I am hopeful I would be considered for the one-dayers and T20 game in Sri Lanka next month. I enjoy cricket and bowling and it is a challenge bowling in T20 cricket, but I have learnt how to cope with the mindset of the batsmen now."
Irfan said that while he gained a lot from the World Cup, where he took eight wickets from five matches, missing Pakistan's quarter-final loss against Australia was a huge disappointment. "I am fine now and completely fit as the rehabilitation process has been very good, but the regret is still there," he said. "I couldn't play in the World Cup quarter-final against Australia and that was such a big match. I was so pumped up in that tournament and was bowling with fire but I guess one can't fight such things."