Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq expressed his desire to play in the World Test Championship final in an exclusive interview with a local media news channel.

Pakistan will host five Tests in December and January, three against England and two against New Zealand.

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The team led by Babar Azam is currently in fifth place in the World Test Championship standings. They have won 51.85% of the points they have earned.

“Due to the World Test Championship, the series against England and New Zealand is important for us,” he said. “We can stay in the race for the final by winning three or four matches during the upcoming series.”

The current cycle runs from July 2021 to June 2023, including the top nine Test teams. Each team will play six series. The final, between the top two teams, will be held at The Oval in June 2023.

Imam is playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy right now to keep in shape before the vital Test matches.

“I’m trying to maintain my form by playing domestic cricket,” he said. “Test cricket usually happens after a long gap which is why we have to prepare for it from scratch every time.”

“I like playing Test matches on home soil as compared to ODIs and T20Is,” he added.

The left-hander was also happy to see top cricketing nations tour Pakistan as it will open doors for Pakistan to host international tournaments.

“I’m happy to see that England and New Zealand are sending their full-strength teams to Pakistan. Top teams visiting Pakistan is good for our cricket,” he said.

The three-match Test series between Pakistan and England will begin in Rawalpindi on December 1.

But if there is political unrest, the first Test might be moved to Karachi, which is also where the last Test will be held from December 17-21. But the second Test will still take place in Multan.