Pakistan recently announced the squads for the upcoming T20I series against Australia in Australia. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez who was not selected for the national side, expressed his surprise about not getting selected even after performing well.

“My entire career I have been in an and out of the side. It obviously comes as a shock when you are not selected despite performing and being of international standard,” Hafeez told Geo TV.

Even the newly appointed T20I skipper Babar Azam told in his recent media interaction that his suggestions to include senior players like Hafeez and Shoaib Malik for the Australia tour were turned down by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

READ ALSO: PCB officials reject Babar Azam’s suggestion to pick Hafeez and Malik for Australia T20Is

While talking about the axe from the team, the 38-year-old said that challenges are a part of life and that he is never disappointed.

“Challenges are part of life but I am positive as always. I am never disappointed. Believe that I can keep on playing white-ball cricket for Pakistan. I will always be available whenever I am deemed good enough and recalled to the side,” said the right-handed batsman.

In the end, Hafeez who has represented Pakistan in 218 ODIs and 89 T20Is hoped that the Green Army performs well in Australia as he said, “I hope that Pakistan performs well against Australia, and whatever kids have been picked make the country proud.”

Pakistan is scheduled to tour Australia for three-match T20I series beginning from Sunday (3 November) and a two-match Test series beginning from November 21.