‘It’s his mentality about coaching..’ – Pakistan cricketer Abdullah Shafique names his favorite football coach

Pakistan is all set to host England for the three-match test series after a long gap of 17 years. The fans are eagerly waiting for the series to start.  However, Abdullah Shafique will be a player to watch out for in this series for the home side. 

In his short Test career so far, Shafique has featured in seven matches, where he has scored 736 runs at an average of 66.90. He has smashed four fifties and two hundred’s in this format. Now, ahead of the England Test series, he opened up about his favourite manager and many more. 

While talking to BBC Sport, Shafique said that his favourite coach is Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp. He said: “I like the coach, Jurgen Klopp. It is his mentality about coaching and his attitude towards the game.” He also opens up about his mentality while playing for Pakistan.

It’s exciting to face bowlers like James Anderson, Mark Wood, and Ben Stokes: Abdullah Shafique

“My nature is I have to fight until the end. If I am batting or fielding, I have to stay there and fight. That is my thing. From that T20 inning, I was in the limelight. Everyone got to know a lot about me. No one notices you if you can’t perform in the big events. The challenge was getting harder after that innings because the expectations went higher and I had to meet them,” Shafique added.

He also gave credit to his skipper Babar Azam and former Pakistan coach Misbah-Ul-Haq for his development. Shafique said: “They are very good human beings, very good guys,” says Shafique. “They are truly hard workers. They don’t waste their time in the nets – they are very focused. They are very punctual. I have learned good things from them. They have given me a lot of knowledge. How to play late, under your eyes. How to be patient. They taught me good shape, good balance.”

About the upcoming series, he said: “It’s a special thing because we have seen them on TV. It’s an opportunity for me to do well so everyone can see my performance. It’s exciting to face bowlers like James Anderson, Mark Wood, and Ben Stokes. They are challenging opponents.”