I don’t need a passport to love and associate myself with Pakistan: Sammy

All-rounder Daren Sammy has said that he doesn’t need a passport to love Pakistan, after Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi revealed on Wednesday that he has requested the President of Pakistan to confer the country’s honorary citizenship to the Zalmi’s skipper.

While speaking with media on Thursday ahead of Zalmi’s opening clash against Karachi Kings, the Saint Lucian cricketer was happy to see his efforts in bringing international cricket to Pakistan have being recognised by people.

“For me love is in the heart. It is an action and a feeling. For me whether I have a passport or not, I think my contribution to this country is all from within. I don’t need a passport to associate myself with this country,” Sammy said. “It is not just me but all of the guys that have come here and showed there support, be it the World XI or other teams, have played a massive role in bringing back international cricket to Pakistan.”

“It is good that my efforts have been recognised, but for me the love and affection I get from the people is everything,” he added.

The 36-year-old is upbeat ahead of the fifth edition of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) and is looking to contribute to his team with all-round display.

“Obviously we all know that two years ago I got injured yet continued to play,” he said. “Getting back to full fitness was bit of an issue. But if you check my record in PSL, you can’t really question it. I have come here and done what I am supposed to do as a leader and a lower-order finisher. This year is no different. I was the first player here before my teammates came into the camp only to make sure I was ready for this tournament.”

“I am feeling good and fully fit which includes bowling and batting. I didn’t have a good time in CPL, but I don’t dwell on the past. I always look towards the future,” he added.

Meanwhile, Karachi Kings skipper Imad Wasim refrained from revealing his team’s opening combination but hinted at England batsman Alex Hales moving down at number three in the batting order.

“I have played with Alex Hales in Nottingham and he plays at one down position for England as well, so he can play at one down for Karachi as well,” Imad said. “Similarly, Babar Azam can also play one down, so we won’t have any issues because when we were picking Alex Hales, we knew that he can move down the order as well.”

“We are not concerned about the opening combination, but I have given you a hint,” he added.