Irfan aims to become ‘best bowler’ in PSL4

Pakistan fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan has set his eyes on becoming the best bowler in the fourth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL).

While talking in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, the Multan Sultans pacer spoke about his aspirations regarding PSL and the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.       

“I want to become the best bowler of the tournament,” said Irfan. “This will help me a great deal with regards to my selection in the squad for the 2019 World Cup.”

Irfan was also optimistic about his team’s chances during the upcoming season of PSL — which begins on February 14, in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 “We are heading into the tournament with a positive frame of mind and hopefully we will put a better show this year,” he said. “We started previous edition in a decent manner but unfortunately our performance towards the backend of the tournament was not up to the mark.”

The 36-year-old also shared his thoughts about playing various T20 leagues around the globe and its impact on his performances.

“Playing various leagues globally has helped me in terms of experience as well as improving my fitness levels,” he said. “Also participating in matches alongside international cricketers aids my development as a cricketer.”

Keeping in mind his height, which stands at seven feet and one inch, fitness has been a major concern for Irfan throughout his career.    

While speaking about fitness levels, Irfan said: “During the early days of my cricket days, I was not aware about how to take care of my fitness. I only started to improve in this department when I started playing for Pakistan. Last year after playing CPL, I went to USA in order to train with a basketball team. There they taught me about how to remain fit, bearing in mind my height.”

He added: “This has helped me a lot as I’m now fitter than before and also playing regular cricket, without getting injured frequently.”

Irfan, who has played only four Test matches for Pakistan over the course of his career, also shared his disappointment about not being a regular feature in the five-day format.  

“Test cricket is the best form of cricket,” he said. “I’m disappointed that I have not played many Test matches for Pakistan. Most of it was down to my fitness concerns and if I had worked on it, during the early phase of my career, I would have had more Test matches under my belt by now.”