Usman Qadir addresses selection controversy surrounding Shadab Khan

Usman Qadir is eager to make a comeback to the national team, expressing his desire to play both white-ball cricket and Test matches.

Having appeared in 25 T20Is and just one ODI for Pakistan, Usman's last match was against Bangladesh in October 2022, following which he faced a hiatus due to injury sustained during a T20I series against England.

After taking part in a one-day practice match in Karachi on Tuesday, Usman voiced his intention to return to national duty.

Usman emphasized his readiness to contribute in all formats, stressing the importance of first-class cricket in honing his skills.

“[The fitness] camp is going really and the boys are working hard,” Qadir told reporters. “My performance in the domestic season was fine, I’m enjoying the intra-squad matches.

“I want to play Test as well as white-ball cricket, playing in first-class [cricket] would be helpful and my job is to perform wherever I get the chance.”

Usman is also focusing on improving his batting prowess, particularly in power-hitting, during practice sessions.

“I’m practicing with the bat in the nets, my focus is on power-hitting,” Qadir added. “I always do my best to perform and leave the rest in Allah’s hands.

“I have no regrets about leaving Australia, it is a proud moment to represent Pakistan. I just want to make my father [Abdul Qadir] proud.

He dismissed any controversy around selection criteria, affirming his dedication to merit-based cricket.

“It is not my job to say that Shadab [Khan] did not perform. Whichever player you don’t like, you say that he is playing on friendship quota.”