Pak vs Eng: English cricketer Adil Rashid expects tough competition between teams

KARACHI: England Cricketer Adil Rashid believes that being in Pakistan before playing in the Pakistan Super League gives England players an experience of conditions here in Pakistan.

In an exclusive interview with Geo News, the 34-year-old England cricketer said he expects a tough contest between the two teams in the seven T20Is, which are starting from September 20 in Karachi.

“A lot of the England boys have played for the PSL before, so they know these conditions. That gives us experience as well for them to give us feedback on how we should play and how the wickets are."

He continued to say that both teams are very strong. 

“We have got good batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders, and it is also the same with Pakistan: they're very strong in the home conditions and it'd be a very tough series,” said the England bowler.

Adil further added that he is looking forward to the tour as it's going to be a tough series.

“Pakistan is a very good team at home, so, it can be a good experience as well,” he said.

The veteran of 118 ODIs and 76 T20Is said that Pakistan is still a strong squad even if they’re without Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman.

“It’s the squad effort, their squad is very strong, with or without Shaheen or Fakhar. So, we're not taking this lightly. We're going to try our best to win the series and try our best to compete and that's what we're looking forward to,” said England’s spinner.

Talking about touring Pakistan, Rashid said that it was a "proud moment" for him.

“It is a proud moment for me, especially because my family is from Pakistan, and obviously, coming back and playing here for the first time. So, it's a historical moment not just for myself but also for the whole team and this entire squad and everybody's really looking forward to it,” he said.

The England cricketer said that he is expecting a big crowd during the T20Is in Karachi and Lahore.

“Definitely expecting a big crowd whoever can come, come and support both teams because it's going to be entertainment and good games,” he concluded.