Saad Bin Zafar was a 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 picked up four wickets. His efforts on the field, despite being at the twilight phase of his career, earned a lot of praise from fans as well as experts.
The former Canada captain has played 29 ODIs and 69 T20Is so far in his career. He led Canada during the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in 2024. The Associate team defeated Test-playing nation Canada in New York, making it one of the most historic upsets in the tournament’s history.
During an exclusive interview with CricTracker, the Gujranwala-born 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 piece of advice you received from a senior player?
The best advice I have received from senior players has mostly been about the mental side of the game. Sometimes, when pressure builds up, you can start doubting 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 stand no chance. The only time you truly have a chance is when you refuse to give up and keep telling yourself that you can still turn things around, that you can come out of a difficult situation. So the key message has always been to stay mentally strong, keep believing in yourself, and continue backing 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 one 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 is already a connection there because I played one season for them. If I ever get an opportunity, I would definitely like to play for Punjab Kings. The second team is my personal favourite, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and that’s because of Virat Kohli. I am a huge fan and admirer of him. So if I ever get the chance, RCB would be another team I would love to represent.
Under your leadership, Canada defeated a Test-playing nation in the ICC T20 World Cup. Your views on it
I feel extremely proud because honestly many of the things that have happened in my career were never planned. They just happened. At the end of the day, no matter how much you thank the Almighty, it still feels 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 was representing Canada, I never imagined I would be given the captaincy, but that opportunity came. After that, I never thought I would captain the team in a World Cup, and that also happened. Then in the World Cup, we defeated a Test nation like Ireland. When I reflect on all of this now, I simply feel fortunate and grateful that I have been so blessed and that these achievements happened under my leadership.
Your initial feeling of playing against Pakistan, representing Canada
It was a very special feeling because you always have an emotional attachment to the place where you were born and where you grew up. My family and extended family are all in Pakistan, and they were watching the match as well. Naturally, they all grew up supporting Pakistan, so there was a bit of division. Some were supporting Canada, and some were supporting 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, idolizing those players, somewhere in your heart you dream that maybe one day you will get a chance to play for Pakistan. That opportunity did not come, but I got the chance to play at the highest level for Canada. Those thoughts do cross your mind in such moments. Overall, it was a great experience. I felt very happy that as a Canadian team we were able to give them tough competition. After the World Cup, many people appreciated and admired the way we played.
As a senior cricketer having played the game for a lot of years, what’s your best piece of advice for the budding cricketers?
Yes, since I am one of the senior-most players in the team now, my role is not just as a cricketer anymore. I also see myself as a mentor and try to fulfill that responsibility. I share my experience and knowledge with the youngsters in the squad. My message to them is simple: believe in hard work and, more importantly, in consistency. Often, we work hard only on the days we feel like it, but putting in the effort every single day is the real challenge. I feel blessed for what I have earned in my career, but as long as I am playing, 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 have been here for 15 years, that would not be fair. So as long as I continue to play, 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, and you will go a long way.
If India and Canada were in the same group in the T20 WC, which Indian batter’s wicket would you love to pick?
In the 2024 World Cup, we were in the same group as India. Unfortunately, our match was washed out due to rain. At that time, I really wanted the opportunity to bowl to Virat Kohli. If I had managed to get his wicket, it would have been a lifelong memory for me. Looking at the current Indian team, I think Ishan Kishan has been batting very well. There are also a lot of expectations from Abhishek Sharma. If I ever get the chance to bowl against either 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 game?
When our match was washed out, both teams were at the same venue and we got the opportunity to visit their dressing room and interact with the Indian players. We met the entire Indian team, which was a great experience. Since I am a left-arm spinner, I especially wanted to meet Ravindra Jadeja. I had a good conversation with him about our roles as left-arm spinners and how he approaches different challenges in the game. We spoke about our craft in detail, how to handle pressure situations, and how to overcome tough phases in a match. It was a very valuable interaction for me, and I received some great advice from him.
How was your journey in India?
Overall, I 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 have visited has had its own culture and a 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 landmarks and learning about the history connected to them felt really special. Delhi also impressed me with its food. I went to Chandni Chowk and tried authentic local cuisine, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Experiencing India in this way, both through cricket and through its culture and history, has been a memorable and fulfilling journey for me.
When the match against India was washed out last time, did you meet and speak with Virat Kohli?
I met Virat Kohli, and I think he’s the only player whose autograph I’ve taken on my jersey. I’ve framed it and kept it at my home. I also got the chance to meet him and talk to him briefly.
