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In our latest exclusive interview, Pakistan pace sensation Hassan Ali opens up about his career-threatening injury, Test cricket passion, and Birmingham Bears bond. The 2017 Champions Trophy hero discusses his emotional recovery journey, why he'd sacrifice white-ball cricket for Tests, Moeen Ali's influence, and Pakistan's new era under Mike Hesson.
Key topics include:
Hairstyle Inspiration: Hassan reveals that his long hair, which many speculated was inspired by Shah Rukh Khan, KL Rahul, or David Miller, is actually inspired by "John Wick." He explains that he grew his hair long during his injury recovery period last year, as his focus was entirely on his surgery and rehabilitation.
Wife's Opinion on Hairstyle: Hassan shares that his wife has a 50/50 opinion on his long hair, sometimes preferring it short and other times finding the long hair appealing.
Love for Birmingham and Pakistani Culture: Hassan expresses his fondness for Birmingham, particularly for the easy access to Pakistani food and the large Pakistani community, which gives him "Pakistani vibes." He also mentions his enjoyment of mangoes, which he can easily find there.
Driving in Birmingham vs. Pakistan: When asked about driving, Hassan humorously states that driving in Birmingham feels similar to driving in Pakistan, though he acknowledges that people in Birmingham still follow rules.
Experience with Birmingham Bears/Warwickshire: Hassan discusses his positive experience playing for Birmingham Bears. He explains that he chose Birmingham over other counties (Kent and Somerset) due to its convenience and the large Pakistani population. He praises the warm welcome he received from the team, coaching staff (especially head coach "Robo" and the bowling coach), and even the club's accountant. He considers the Bears his "second home" due to the supportive environment, especially given his recent injury struggles.
Moeen Ali's Influence: Hassan speaks highly of Moeen Ali, calling him a "living legend." He appreciates Moeen's supportive nature, their Urdu conversations, and Moeen's calm approach to cricket, which has taught Hassan to stay calm and not take too much pressure.
Availability for Bangladesh Series: Hassan clarifies that he only signed for the T20 Blast season with Warwickshire, not the entire season, due to potential national duty clashes and his desire to gradually return from his elbow injury. He states he will return for the finals in September if he is free from national commitments.
Value of First-Class Cricket: Hassan emphasizes the importance of first-class (red-ball) cricket, stating his personal preference for it and his willingness to prioritize it over T20 and ODI formats. He believes Test cricket is the "real test" of mental and physical skill and provides more respect, citing Virat Kohli's similar views. He recounts his joy at receiving his Test debut cap.
Current Bowling Form and Injury Comeback: At 31, Hassan feels he is currently at his best, with good rhythm and fitness. He acknowledges a dip in performance in 2019 and a back injury in 2020. He highlights his strong comeback in 2021 and 2022, where he was named PCB Test Player of the Year. He attributes his current form to focused work on his fitness, diet, and bowling basics during his rehab.
Overcoming Career-Threatening Injury: Hassan shares a deeply personal account of his career-threatening elbow injury. He describes the initial negative vibes from doctors but found hope after meeting Professor Watts in Manchester, who assured him of strong comebacks from similar surgeries. He emphasizes his love for cricket and how it's his "bread and butter," which motivated him to undergo surgery and rigorous rehab.
Mental Fortitude and Hope: Hassan reflects on the emotional toll of his injuries, recalling crying daily during his 2020 back injury. He stresses the importance of hope and hard work in overcoming negative thoughts. He followed the same successful rehab pattern from 2020 for his recent elbow injury, emphasizing self-belief and faith in Allah's plan.
Motivation from Salman Butt's Comments: Hassan expresses gratitude for positive comments from people like Salman Butt, who recognized his fitness and hard work, stating that such praise motivates him and boosts his confidence.
Pakistan Dressing Room Under New Leadership: Hassan discusses the atmosphere in the Pakistan dressing room under new head coach Mike Hesson and T20I captain Salman Butt. He notes the presence of 90% young blood, which brings "exciting things" and "new energy." He praises Salman's aggressive batting and calm personality, and Mike Hesson's well-recognized coaching profile, hoping he will lead Pakistan cricket to a higher level.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
Key topics include:
Hairstyle Inspiration: Hassan reveals that his long hair, which many speculated was inspired by Shah Rukh Khan, KL Rahul, or David Miller, is actually inspired by "John Wick." He explains that he grew his hair long during his injury recovery period last year, as his focus was entirely on his surgery and rehabilitation.
Wife's Opinion on Hairstyle: Hassan shares that his wife has a 50/50 opinion on his long hair, sometimes preferring it short and other times finding the long hair appealing.
Love for Birmingham and Pakistani Culture: Hassan expresses his fondness for Birmingham, particularly for the easy access to Pakistani food and the large Pakistani community, which gives him "Pakistani vibes." He also mentions his enjoyment of mangoes, which he can easily find there.
Driving in Birmingham vs. Pakistan: When asked about driving, Hassan humorously states that driving in Birmingham feels similar to driving in Pakistan, though he acknowledges that people in Birmingham still follow rules.
Experience with Birmingham Bears/Warwickshire: Hassan discusses his positive experience playing for Birmingham Bears. He explains that he chose Birmingham over other counties (Kent and Somerset) due to its convenience and the large Pakistani population. He praises the warm welcome he received from the team, coaching staff (especially head coach "Robo" and the bowling coach), and even the club's accountant. He considers the Bears his "second home" due to the supportive environment, especially given his recent injury struggles.
Moeen Ali's Influence: Hassan speaks highly of Moeen Ali, calling him a "living legend." He appreciates Moeen's supportive nature, their Urdu conversations, and Moeen's calm approach to cricket, which has taught Hassan to stay calm and not take too much pressure.
Availability for Bangladesh Series: Hassan clarifies that he only signed for the T20 Blast season with Warwickshire, not the entire season, due to potential national duty clashes and his desire to gradually return from his elbow injury. He states he will return for the finals in September if he is free from national commitments.
Value of First-Class Cricket: Hassan emphasizes the importance of first-class (red-ball) cricket, stating his personal preference for it and his willingness to prioritize it over T20 and ODI formats. He believes Test cricket is the "real test" of mental and physical skill and provides more respect, citing Virat Kohli's similar views. He recounts his joy at receiving his Test debut cap.
Current Bowling Form and Injury Comeback: At 31, Hassan feels he is currently at his best, with good rhythm and fitness. He acknowledges a dip in performance in 2019 and a back injury in 2020. He highlights his strong comeback in 2021 and 2022, where he was named PCB Test Player of the Year. He attributes his current form to focused work on his fitness, diet, and bowling basics during his rehab.
Overcoming Career-Threatening Injury: Hassan shares a deeply personal account of his career-threatening elbow injury. He describes the initial negative vibes from doctors but found hope after meeting Professor Watts in Manchester, who assured him of strong comebacks from similar surgeries. He emphasizes his love for cricket and how it's his "bread and butter," which motivated him to undergo surgery and rigorous rehab.
Mental Fortitude and Hope: Hassan reflects on the emotional toll of his injuries, recalling crying daily during his 2020 back injury. He stresses the importance of hope and hard work in overcoming negative thoughts. He followed the same successful rehab pattern from 2020 for his recent elbow injury, emphasizing self-belief and faith in Allah's plan.
Motivation from Salman Butt's Comments: Hassan expresses gratitude for positive comments from people like Salman Butt, who recognized his fitness and hard work, stating that such praise motivates him and boosts his confidence.
Pakistan Dressing Room Under New Leadership: Hassan discusses the atmosphere in the Pakistan dressing room under new head coach Mike Hesson and T20I captain Salman Butt. He notes the presence of 90% young blood, which brings "exciting things" and "new energy." He praises Salman's aggressive batting and calm personality, and Mike Hesson's well-recognized coaching profile, hoping he will lead Pakistan cricket to a higher level.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
