Pakistan pacer Aizaz Cheema has expressed his disappointment over not being picked for the national side despite good performances in domestic cricket.

Cheema is currently the top-wicket taker in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 44 wickets in seven matches for Lahore Blues.

“I was the best bowler in last year’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and this season as well my performance is in front of everyone to see,” said a disappointed Cheema according to Express News. “It is disheartening to see not being picked after such good performances.”

Cheema reiterated that he will continue to stack up the numbers in domestic cricket despite being ignored by the selectors.

“I’m not one of those people who will back out and stop playing cricket altogether,” he said. “I will continue to put in the hard yards till the point I can no longer continue.”

Cheema is now 39-years-old but this is something that does not bother him as he cited the example of former Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq — who continued playing international cricket despite going past the age of 40.

“Aging is not an issue as Misbah is a glaring example in this regard,” he said. “The key factor is form, fitness and performance and until one can achieve that he should be given chance to represent national side.”

Speaking about his Pakistan Super League ambitions, Cheema said that he is hopeful that one of the franchises will pick up him for the 2019 season.

“I have represented Quetta Gladiators in the past and I’m hopeful that I will get an opportunity with a franchise in the upcoming season as well,” he said.

 Cheema has featured in seven Tests, 14 ODIs and 5 T20Is for Pakistan over the course of his career. He also played a key role in Pakistan’s Asia Cup triumph in 2012.