ICC World Cup 2019 | Abid Ali wants advice from Sachin Tendulkar ahead of mega event

04/21/2019

Pakistani opener Abid Ali has made it to the Pakistani World Cup squad and wants to seek advice from legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. The right-handed batsman has been churning crucial runs on Pakistan’s domestic circuit, which propelled his selection for the prestigious tournament.

Sachin Tendulkar has inspired thousands of minds and has been the idol for many cricketers across the border too. India-Pakistan shares the most intense rivalry on the cricket field but the cricketers are jovial off it. The political relations between the two neighbouring countries have been strained of late, but Abid Ali, Pakistan’s newly appointed opener, has expressed his desire to meet Sachin Tendulkar and hug him once. Ali is certain that the demi-god of cricket will not turn him down and will give the budding Pakistani cricketer few batting tips if they meet at the upcoming World Cup.

The 31-year old Ali has been productive in Pakistan’s domestic set-up and has justified selector’s faith by plundering a ton on his ODI debut against Australia last month. Both Tendulkar and Abid share a similar height and the latter also imitates little master with the bat, which is not a rare scenario.

"It's my wish and hope that I meet Sachin Tendulkar," Abid told a group of journalists, reported AFP.

"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 also asserted that the day when he finally meets Tendulkar, that will be a memorable day of his life and reckoned the little master as one of the best batsmen to have embraced the game. He also expressed his desire to meet Viv Richards and learn from him.

"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.

Abid also spoke about how he has followed Tendulkar’s footsteps from his initial playing 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 Inzamam-ul-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 also assured that he will do his best in the World Cup and try to make an impression as a batsman.

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