SCOTLAND'S record-breaking cricketer Majid Haq has spoken of how it was "heartbreaking" to be sent home from the World Cup in March, after posting a race-related tweet.
The 32-year-old spinner, who has taken more international wickets than any other Scot in history, learned on Thursday from his governing body, Cricket Scotland, that his suspension from the game has been lifted.
Yet, while Haq is clearly aiming to try to regain his international place, and he has wished his compatriots well, ahead of next month's ICC World T20 qualifying tournament in Scotland and Ireland, he was candid about how the experience had affected him.
Speaking exclusively to Herald Sport, Haq said: "I'm very determined to play for Scotland again. The last four months have knocked me for six, but it was a lifelong dream to play for my country and I will do whatever it takes to play for them again.
"It was very tough, being sent home under a huge cloud, and that, combined with being banned from training with the boys had a severe impact mentally.
I was never able to tell my side of my story and it was heartbreaking to watch the T20 squad being picked and know I had no chance of selection because I was still suspended. I wish the boys all the best and hope they do our country proud and qualify for the World Cup."
Haq has already made over 200 Scotland appearances, but his enthusiasm for the game hasn't waned in the slightest. However, he believes there were flaws in the process by which his punishment was handed out and insists that everybody, including himself, needs to learn lessons for the future.
He said: "I want to reach my peak fitness and become a key part of the team, and perform better than ever before, hopefully beating my own record with a hope that if I got a chance to represent Scotland at World T20 level, I could pass on my experience to younger team members, as well as inspire others to take up cricket.
"But it has been very disappointing, I was in a very lonely place and, but for the support of several people and my lawyer Aamer [Anwar], it would have been difficult to keep my silence and not explode.
"I was desperately unhappy and I feel that things need to change for the better, communication has to improve and everyone has lessons to learn including myself. Trust is at the core of what took place. At first I was investigated, then it was suggested I apologise and when I refused, I was told it would go to a full hearing by the board, but two weeks later the charges are dropped against me.
"I surely have a right to know why such a process took over three months."
Haq wants to prove his qualities, on and off the field, in the coming months and years. But with his Cricket Scotland contract up for renewal at the head of the summer, he might find it difficult to realise that ambition.
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