PAK vs AUS: Muhammad Irfan Khan eager to make ODI debut ‘memorable’ in series opener against Australia

Irfan shared that he aims to make his debut "a memorable one" and prove himself as a dependable player for his country

PHOTO: PCB

Middle-order batter Muhammad Irfan Khan, who is set to make his One Day International (ODI) debut for Pakistan in the first match of the series against Australia on November 4, has expressed his excitement and aspirations in a video statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday. Irfan, 23, shared that he aims to make his debut "a memorable one" and prove himself as a dependable player for his country.

"Every player dreams of representing their country," Irfan stated, reflecting on his journey. "Making your debut against a big team gives you confidence; it shows the team trusts you." He expressed his determination to play a match-winning innings, saying, "Performing against big teams is what makes you a big player. My aim is to deliver a match-winning knock against Australia."

Irfan also credited his former Under-19 coach, Tanveer Shaukat, for instilling the motivation to chase his dreams. Recalling Shaukat’s unique approach, Irfan said, "The coach encouraged us to write down our dreams on a piece of paper. I wrote that I wanted to play regional Under-19 cricket, then the Under-19 World Cup, PSL, and finally make it to the national team. So far, everything has gone just as I had dreamed."

Acknowledging the sacrifices made along the way, Irfan shared the personal struggles of being away from his family to pursue his cricketing ambitions. "My family always supported me in my journey," he remarked, adding that he hopes to make them proud on his debut.

The series opener will see Pakistan fielding an interesting mix of emerging and returning talents. Uncapped Saim Ayub joins Irfan in the squad, while Mohammad Hasnain and Kamran Ghulam return to the national side after nearly two years.

Pakistan XI: Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.

Australia XI: Pat Cummins (captain), Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Marnus Labuschagne, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.