The fact that an extraordinary player like Mohammed Irfan, from a place called ‘Gagu Mandi’ was ever thinking of leaving cricket, illustrates that our infrastructure does not nurture talent from outside Karachi and Lahore, and exciting talents simply don’t get noticed. In case of Irfan – being more than 7 feet tall – one would think that he will be easily noticed but he had to wait for a Pakistani cricket website to highlight his talent. Until that time, other than terrorizing batsmen in his area, he was working in a plastic factory. Then he got the attention of Pakistani public and authorities and soon he was in Pakistani colors in 2010.
But at least he got there at the end. And he justified the buzz and excitement around him through consistent performances. After the debut, he worked hard on his game and fitness and soon became a regular feature in Pakistan’s limited-overs-cricket and also played some tests. He performed brilliantly in all conditions and especially in the 2015 World Cup. Islamabad United has the services of this fearsome prospect and the presence of Wasim Akram as Cricket Director will definitely be a big help for Irfan to grow as a bowler.
There is great deal of nuance to his game. Of course, what gets the press is his ability to extract bounce, but it isn’t just about short-pitch stuff with raw pace and bounce. He can ball in a channel and move the ball on either side. With experience he is bringing new skills to his repertoire. And he has a nasty yorker, as Greame Smith would tell you, whom he famously yorked with sheer pace.
What makes Irfan so exciting to cricket enthusiasts is that he is a throwback to the good ol’ days when ‘men were men’, the era of huge men trying to kill batsmen and win at all costs. He brings the element of fear in the minds of batsmen. Suddenly it all becomes about survival. And keeping Pakistani history of intimidating fast bowlers in mind, he is a perfect brand ambassador for the PSL. The vast majority of Pakistani public associate with him because his story inspires us not to give up on our dreams and to keep putting in the hard work. You never know when it is your time to be in the limelight, and this PSL, it is time for talents like Irfan to take center-stage. ‘Ab Khel k Dikha, Irfan!’