Pakistan T20 captain Hafeez game for CPL return

Guyana Amazon Warriors Mohammed Hafeez bowls during the match vs. Barbados Tridents at Queen’s Park Oval on August 11, 2013 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. (Getty Images)

St. John’s (Antigua), Aug 21 (IANS): Pakistan Twenty20 International captain Mohammad Hafeez says he would love to return for next year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as long as his international schedule allows it.

Hafeez blasted a spectacular unbeaten 50 from just 23 balls against the Antigua Hawksbills Saturday night, his last action before linking up with the Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe.

It sealed an impressive league campaign for the Warriors who topped the six-team table with five wins from seven matches.

“It all depends on the international schedule (next year) but if I can then I will definitely come back. To be honest, I was very sure the CPL tournament would be a success because the crowd here is very passionate about cricket,” said Hafeez Tuesday.

“The crowd response to the whole tournament has been exceptional. We saw that, and I personally believe the tournament will get more and more success.”

Hafeez said his departure ahead of the business end of the tournament left him with a bitter-sweet feeling after having a thoroughly enjoyable time as part of a successful squad.

He signed off with a spectacular display of high-class hitting to dump the Hawksbills out of the competition, blasting two fours and four sixes in his swansong match for the season.

“I am definitely sad to be leaving and I am going to miss it but international duties always come first,” he said.

“I was happy to join and in the same way I am happy that I am leaving on a happy note. The (Guyana Amazon Warriors) team is a very good one, the franchise is good and the teammates are happy and supporting each other.”

The two semi-finals take place Thursday and Friday, and the final will be Saturday in Trinidad.