Qadir’s son says ‘heart set on playing for Pakistan’

Islamabad: Highly-rated leg spinner Usman Qadir, who is the son of legendary Pakistan bowler Abdul Qadir, has said his heart is set on playing for his country amidst suggestions that the 19-year old can also play for Australia in future.

Usman, who is a more than useful middle order batsman and has represented Pakistan at Under 15 and Under 19 levels, said he has yet to make a decision on which country to represent on the international stage, but indicated that he might play for his home country. Usman was also a member of the Under 19 World Cup squad that lost to India earlier this year by one wicket in a quarterfinal encounter in Townsville, Australia and was also a member of the Pakistan Under 19 squad that had a very successful tour of South Africa. Earmarked for a bright future, Qadir is currently playing club cricket in Australia as well as representing South Australia Under 23s. “I’ve been offered to play for Australia. A few people over the last couple of months have spoken with me about it, but I’ve not made a decision as yet. I want to discuss all of the options with my father and then make a final decision,” Pakpassion.net quoted Usman, as saying in an exclusive interview. “I want to play for Pakistan and my heart is set on it. I’ve said to the guys in Australia to speak with my father about the matter. I’ve left the matter with my father, I’ve left the final decision in my father``s hands,” he added. “I’m happy to go with what my father advises me and I have a feeling that my father will want me to play for Pakistan,” he said. ANI