Faheem Ashraf determined to earn national call-up for 2025 Champions Trophy

Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf who is representing the Dolphins in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup, has opened up about his relentless pursuit of excellence and the aspirations driving his cricket career. 

In a recent interview with a local news channel, Ashraf discussed his unyielding quest for improvement and his perspective on the significance of the ongoing tournament.

Despite his considerable experience and past achievements, the all-rounder revealed a deep-seated dissatisfaction with his performance, which fuels his continuous effort to enhance his game. 

"The aim is always to give my best for the team I’m playing for. As long as I have the strength, I will continue playing cricket; once I don’t have the strength, I will stop," Ashraf said.

He highlighted the competitive nature of the Champions Cup, emphasizing the high caliber of players participating in the tournament. 

"All the top players are participating in the Champions Cup. Everyone always strives to give their best performance. Our job is to perform, and what happens afterward is beyond our control," he said.

The 30-year-old acknowledged that the Champions Cup is more than just a tournament; it represents the beginning of the cricketing season and offers players a pivotal platform to showcase their skills.

Describing the tournament's importance, Ashraf noted, "The Champions Cup marks the start of the season, and it is a very important tournament for every player. Each player will strive to perform well in this tournament. Some will try to make a comeback, while others will aim to secure their place. For young players, this is a crucial opportunity to perform well and get noticed."

"Those who perform well here will catch the attention of the selectors and also attract the interest of the franchise," he added.

Reflecting on his personal goals, Ashraf expressed his desire to leverage his performances in the tournament to secure a spot in the national team for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. 

"The desire and effort are always to perform well in every match. I will try to perform well here and make a comeback to the national team for the Champions Trophy," he said.

He also shared his reflections on his cricketing journey, acknowledging the inevitable ups and downs. 

"Sometimes, after watching matches, I feel that I could have done something in those conditions. What is destined to happen will certainly happen; if it’s not meant to be, it won’t happen. A career has its ups and downs, and players should not lose their belief. A good performance can open all doors for you. Perhaps I haven’t done justice to my own talent," he concluded.