‘Virat Kohli is the only player whose signature I put on my jersey’ – Ex-Canada captain Saad Bin Zafar on respect for Indian star [Exclusive]

Saad Bin Zafar was part of Canada’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The 39-year-old played all four matches in the group stage. He scored 44 runs and took four wickets. His efforts on the field, despite being in the twilight phase of his career, earned him high praise from fans and pundits alike.

The former Canada captain has played 29 ODIs and 69 T20Is in his career so far. He led Canada in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in 2024. The Associate team defeated Test nation Canada in New York, making it one of the most historic upsets in the history of the tournament.

During an exclusive interview with CricTracker, the Gujranwala native reminisced about the sensational moment in Canadian cricket, his admiration for Virat Kohli, the team he would love to play for in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and much more.

Excerpts from the interview

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a senior player?

The best advice I received from senior players was mainly about the mental side of the game. Sometimes, when the pressure increases, you can start to doubt yourself. In those moments, experienced players always tell you to back your skills and abilities and stay mentally strong. If you are not mentally strong and you give up during the game, then you have no chance. The only time you really stand a chance is when you refuse to give up and keep telling yourself that you can still turn things around, that you can get out of a difficult situation. So the core message has always been to stay mentally strong, to continue to believe in yourself and to continue to support yourself at all times.

If you could play for any IPL franchise, which would it be and why?

In the IPL, I would name two teams. The first is the Punjab kings. The reason is that I played in the CPL for St Lucia Zouks, and the same ownership group also owns Punjab Kings. So there’s already a connection there, because I played one season for them. If I ever get a chance, I would definitely like to play for Punjab Kings. The second team is my personal favorite, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and that is because of Virat Kohli. I’m a big fan and admirer of his. So if I ever get the chance, RCB would be another team I would love to represent.

Under your leadership, Canada defeated a Test nation in the ICC T20 World Cup. Your opinion about it

I’m extremely proud because honestly, a lot of the things that have happened in my career were never planned. They just happened. No matter how much you thank the Almighty, in the end you still feel less for the kind of blessings you have received, especially when you achieve things you never even imagined. I never thought I would represent Canada, but I did. When I represented Canada, I never thought I would be given the captaincy, but the opportunity came. After that, I never thought I would captain the team at a World Cup, and that’s what happened. Then we beat a test country like Ireland at the World Cup. When I think about this now, I just feel fortunate and grateful that I have been so blessed and that these achievements have come about under my leadership.

Your first feeling of playing against Pakistan, representing Canada

It was a very special feeling because you always have an emotional connection with the place where you were born and where you grew up. My family and extended family are all in Pakistan, and they watched the match too. Of course, they all grew up supporting Pakistan, so there was some division. Some supported Canada, others supported Pakistan. That made it even more unique and emotional. Getting the opportunity to play against Pakistan in a World Cup was something special. When you grow up in Pakistan and idolize those players, somewhere in your heart you dream that maybe one day you will get the chance to play for Pakistan. That opportunity didn’t come, but I did get the chance to play at the highest level for Canada. Those thoughts sometimes cross your mind at such moments. Overall it was a great experience. I was very happy that as a Canadian team we could provide tough competition. After the World Cup, many people appreciated and admired the way we played.

As a senior cricketer who has been playing the game for many years, what is your best advice for aspiring cricketers?

Yes, as I am now one of the oldest players in the team, my role is no longer just that of a cricketer. I also see myself as a mentor and try to live up to that responsibility. I share my experience and knowledge with the young people in the team. My message to them is simple: believe in hard work and, more importantly, consistency. Often we only work hard on the days we feel like it, but making the effort every day is the real challenge. I feel blessed with what I have earned in my career, but as long as I play, I know I have to keep working hard in the background every day. If I stop working hard and start taking my position for granted just because I’ve been here for 15 years, that wouldn’t be fair. So as long as I keep playing, I will always believe in hard work and consistency. That is also the message I want to pass on to the younger generation: believe in hard work and consistency, then you will go a long way.

If India and Canada were in the same group in the T20 World Cup, which Indian batsman’s wicket would you like to pick?

At the 2024 World Cup we were in the same group as India. Unfortunately our match was postponed due to rain. At that time, I really wanted to get a chance to bowl with Virat Kohli. If I had managed to get his wicket, it would have been a lifelong memory for me. When I look at the current Indian team, I think Ishan Kishan has batted very well. There are also a lot of expectations from Abhishek Sharma. If I ever get a chance to bowl against one of them and take their wicket, that would be a very memorable moment for me.

Did you get a chance to meet the Indian players after the match?

When our match concluded, both teams were at the same venue and we had the opportunity to visit their dressing room and interact with the Indian players. We met the entire Indian team which was a great experience. Being a left-arm spinner, I especially wanted to meet Ravindra Jadeja. I had a good chat with him about our role as left-arm spinners and how he approaches different challenges in the game. We talked in detail about our profession, how to deal with pressure situations and how to overcome difficult phases in a match. It was a very valuable interaction for me, and I got some good advice from him.

How was your trip in India?

Overall, I have always had a strong desire to come to India and play here. That dream also came true through the World Cup. So far, every city I’ve visited has its own culture and unique touch, which has been wonderful to experience. When I went to Delhi, I explored several historical places. I visited Jama Masjid, India Gate and the Red Fort. Seeing these sights and learning the history associated with them felt very special. Delhi also impressed me with its food. I went to Chandni Chowk and tried the authentic local cuisine, which I enjoyed immensely. Experiencing India in this way, both through cricket and through its culture and history, has been a memorable and fulfilling journey for me.

Did you meet and speak to Virat Kohli when the match against India fell through last time?

I have met Virat Kohli and I think he is the only player whose signature I have put on my jersey. I framed it and kept it in my home. I also had the chance to meet him and talk to him briefly.