[EXCLUSIVE] "I never gave up on my comeback": Arshad Iqbal

[BouncerGuy]

In this exclusive interview with PakPassion, Pakistan pace bowler Arshad Iqbal opens up about his long and frustrating battle with injury that has kept him away from the game. The 24-year-old discusses the ankle and back issues that halted his international career, his decision to seek rehabilitation in the UK with Dr. Javed Mughal, the personal care he received during his recovery, and his detailed roadmap for a comeback to domestic and international cricket.

Key topics include:

Injury struggle: He opened up about the physical setbacks that sidelined him after 2023, admitting he couldn’t play proper cricket due to persistent injury concerns.

Road to recovery: Sharing a hopeful update, he spoke about his rehabilitation, which has been nearly completed, and he's close to regaining full fitness.

Gratitude to Dr. Javed: He credits Dr. Javed with playing a pivotal role in his treatment journey in the UK, expressing heartfelt appreciation for the support.

Comeback belief: Despite the challenges, he maintained that his belief in returning to the sport never wavered.

Fitness education: He reflected on how the rehab phase taught him valuable lessons about diet, discipline, and training routines.

Future goal: With renewed confidence, he declared his ambition to earn a spot back in the Pakistan national team.

Watch the full interview with Saj here:

 

[Bewal Express]

A terrible disappointment. He has the height and pace but he is overweight and for that reason he will never reach his potential. Run 5 miles a day and get fit. We need a tall fast bowler like you

 

[BouncerGuy]

A terrible disappointment. He has the height and pace but he is overweight and for that reason he will never reach his potential. Run 5 miles a day and get fit. We need a tall fast bowler like you

Injuries are the main problem for our bowlers atm.. These guys need to stay fit to handle them...

 

[CricVet]

Injuries are the main problem for our bowlers atm.. These guys need to stay fit to handle them...

It is not the injuries. it is the reason of injuries - bad diet & lack of discipline / professionalism which includes physical workout (absence of).

 

[BouncerGuy]

I hope he gets rid of whatever injury he had... He really needs to be 100% fit before he makes any kind of comeback in domestic cricket... Cannot be rushed.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

ARSHAD IQBAL IN PRESIDENT'S CUP 2025

- 0/11
- 0/14
- 4/31
- 4/42
- 2/50
- 0/23
- 5/43 in Semi-Final
- 3 Player of the Match award

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Sad to see him becoming an overweight trundler with no zip off the surface and his action and runup is all over the place and yet he is performing tells a lot about batting talent in the country.

ARSHAD IQBAL IN PRESIDENT'S CUP 2025

- 0/11
- 0/14
- 4/31
- 4/42
- 2/50
- 0/23
- 5/43 in Semi-Final
- 3 Player of the Match award

 

[Usman Chadda]

Sad to see him becoming an overweight trundler with no zip off the surface and his action and runup is all over the place and yet he is performing tells a lot about batting talent in the country.

Saad Khan, Shan Masood, Kamran Ghulam and Haseebullah are bad players now?

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Saad Khan, Shan Masood, Kamran Ghulam and Haseebullah are bad players now?

Yes if they are getting out by playing aggressive shots to this overweight trundler.

 

[BouncerGuy]

ARSHAD IQBAL IN PRESIDENT'S CUP 2025

- 0/11
- 0/14
- 4/31
- 4/42
- 2/50
- 0/23
- 5/43 in Semi-Final
- 3 Player of the Match award

Wonderful spell from him... Good to see him back in rhythm...

 

[BunnyRabbit]

He does look overweight. Hope he gets fitter. Tall pacers can be extremely handy for any side.

 

[Fenrir]

Sad to see him becoming an overweight trundler with no zip off the surface and his action and runup is all over the place and yet he is performing tells a lot about batting talent in the country.

Pakistani pitches don’t help quick bowlers.They are flat and offer no bounce.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Pakistani pitches don’t help quick bowlers.They are flat and offer no bounce.

Agreed but atleast he should have taken care of his body as he is fairly young and should have worked with a proper coach to sort his runup and action. currently he looks like a gully muhalla uncle bowler to be honest.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Let him bowl. He will get fitter as well

 

[Ball Blazer]

KRL pacer Arshad Iqbal delivered a match-shaping performance on day two, registering his maiden first-class five-wicket haul with incisive figures of 5 for 24 in 14 overs as he dismantled Sahir Associates for 123, before returning in the second innings to remove two more batters and leave the opposition struggling at 42-4 while chasing a 228-run target, firmly tilting the contest in KRL’s favour.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Really like the look of Harmon Arshad. Kid has some lazy elegance about him and doesn't seem like he gets rushed or hurried. Not a lot of middle order bat that stand out in domestic but I think he'll worth keeping an eye on.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Last post was meant to be in the president's trophy thread. Sorry about that.