Sharing dressing room with the world’s greats helps: Irfan Khan Niazi
By our correspondent
LAHORE: Karachi Kings rookie batsman Mohammad Irfan Khan Niazi on Thursday said that PSL is an ideal platform for youngsters to express themselves and learn while sharing dressing room with the world’s seasoned players.
“Yes, it’s an ideal platform for the youngsters and you know the players who deliver here get a chance in Pakistan team,” the 21 years old Irfan told reporters here on the sideline of the practice session of Karachi Kings here at the LCCA Ground on Thursday.
“It’s a good opportunity as when you share dressing room with the big names like Kieron Pollard and Shoaib Maik you learn a lot from them,” Irfan was quick to add.
Malik is also his idol player and he wants to play for Pakistan for as long as Malik has played.
“I want to play as many matches for Pakistan as has been played by Shoaib bhai. I don’t think the experience Shoaib bhai has nobody else has such an experience and he is my idol,” said Irfan, who has played 13 first-class matches, having scored 800 runs at a decent average of 57.14.
Asked whether he has any issue while sharing dressing room with such experienced players Irfan said it helps him.
“I have no issue in the dressing room as seniors like Shoaib Malik, Shan Masood and Hasan Ali are very supportive and they back me. They tell me to trust on my ability,” Irfan said.
He was happy with the way Kings made a fine fightback following a loss in the opener.
“Thanks God we made a solid comeback after the first loss,” Irfan said.
“Some changes have been made in the team and the brigade’s morale is high. The skipper is new and players think positive for each other. The dressing room’s environment is very good, coaches are backing the players and they have started delivering,” he said.
He also praised skipper Shan Masood.
“Shan Masood bhai is very positive and he says that your process should be good. You should make your effort and yield result,” Irfan said.
Irfan had missed Kings first game against Multan which they lost by 55 runs. However, he was part of the Kings side in their second show against Peshawar Zalmi which they won by seven wickets. Irfan did not get batting chance.
Irfan had last season played eight matches and in seven innings he scored just 92 runs.