My career can't be decided on few bad performances, says Hasan Ali

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Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali accepted the criticism of his recent performances in international cricket but emphasised that few bad performances can't decide his future.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, the 27-year-old, who is England for County Championship representing Lancashire, said that he can only stop people from criticising him by executing performances but also reminded that he has been a performer since his debut in international cricket across formats.

"There is no other way to silence the critics except performances. I couldn't take wickets in the home series against Australia but this does not mean that my career is decided based on that, I am a fighter and will make a strong comeback," Hasan said.

"Overall, I have performed well in all formats. If I see, I am the second-best bowler in the national team since my debut if not the first. A player cannot perform in every match or series, in the past, many great cricketers have faced criticism during their careers, hard work and effort are in my hands, I will try to rectify my shortcomings," he added.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has backed Hasan a lot despite the right-arm pacer not being able to perform. Hasan also added that the criticism has increased since he dropped the catch in T20 World Cup semi-final but it is not right to target a player's family just because of the criticism.

"Babar Azam knows I am a fighter and this is why he supports me. Criticism by the fans of dropping a catch in the T20 World Cup semi-final is justified, I could not sleep for two nights as the Pakistan team was playing so well and could not reach the final because of me but it is not right to target families," he added.

Hasan has regained his form courtesy of his brilliant performances for Lancashire in County Championship Division One. He is the second-highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets in three games. "I am working as hard the same as before. With the recent success, confidence has increased, rhythm has also been achieved, I will try to maintain the continuity of my performance."

Hasan is having the opportunity to share the dressing room with James Anderson at the club on which he said: "I am trying to learn a lot from him, it is an honour to play with a great fast bowler, even at this age he has not give up. I keep asking questions and try to figure out how he trains and prepares himself on the field."

Hasan Ali is away with his family this Eid but his wife and daughter are with him in England. He added that as a professional, he has to be away with the family on auspicious moments. 

"The joy of celebrating Eid comes with the family. There is a large number of Pakistanis in England right now but the real fun of Eid comes with family and friends. However, as a professional cricketer, you have to be away from home sometimes. 

"In response to a question regarding giving Eidi he said: " I have been giving Eid for the last seven or eight years, my time of receiving Eidi is finished."

Hasan concluded by praising Babar Azam and how Pakistan is getting better under his leadership.

"I have not seen any cricketer of Babar Azam's class since getting mature, I have seen the process of Babar reaching the top of his game. As a captain, he is getting better day by day."