Pakistan All-Rounder Abdul Razzaq Wants to Take Up Coaching

Pakistan all-rounder, Abdul Razzaq has decided to take up coaching after being constantly snubbed by the national selectors since October 2013.

Razzaq, 34, is presently in England to play league cricket and is also attending a level two coaching course run by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

"Yes I am interested in coaching because I want to pass on my experience to youngsters," Razzaq told PTI on telephone.

"I am doing a level two coaching course because it appears to be a very interesting and challenging profession and I would love to teach youngsters how to become good all-rounders and big hitters which are essential requirements of modern day cricket," he said.

Razzaq, who played 46 Tests scoring 1946 runs and taking 100 wickets, said he also had every intention to play in the new domestic season in Pakistan starting later this year.

"I have god gifted skills and I don't want to waste them. No matter what the situation I know what I can do even now. My bread and butter is still cricket and I want to show everyone I am still good enough to play for Pakistan," said Razzaq, who also represented Pakistan in 265 ODIs scoring 5080 runs and taking 269 wickets.

The all-rounder last played in two T20 matches against South Africa in October, 2013 in the UAE and was also selected for the return series in South Africa but had to withdraw due to fitness issues.

"I am fully fit now and also played in a few matches in the last domestic season. Knowing how things go in Pakistan cricket I have not ruled out another World Cup appearance next year in Australia and New Zealand," he said.

Razzaq, who has also represented Pakistan in 32 T20 matches, said he would play at any level to maintain his fitness and show his form.

"The World Cup is a big event and I know I have lot of fire left in me to perform. I have not lost hope and age is not a bar as long as I am fit and hungry for success. They are number of 30-plus players in our national team. If you are performing that is fine," he said.

Regarded as one of the most naturally gifted all-rounders produced in Pakistan cricket, Razzaq said he had seen his fair share of disappointments and let downs in the last few years.

"It has been hard but I am fighting now. I know fitness is the key and I am taking care of that. Nowadays there are lot of opportunities for professional players if they keep on performing if you look at the abundance of T20 leagues and the amount of international cricket being played these days," he said.

The all-rounder played in a few domestic games last January in Pakistan scoring two half centuries in his last three games for ZTBL team.