[EXCLUSIVE] "You shouldn't give any excuses, even if it's a spin track": Kashif Ali

[Cricket Warrior]

In our latest exclusive interview, Kashif Ali, Pakistan’s rising pace bowler and Kent County star, opens up about his remarkable journey from late-blooming domestic cricketer to Test debutant. Discover how this Rawalpindi speedster defied the odds, debuted at 27, and embraced the challenges of county cricket to refine his craft.

Key topics include:

Late but determined: Kashif acknowledged his delayed debut, stating, “Yes, I debuted pretty late”, reflecting on the tough grind through Pakistan’s domestic structure and the perseverance it demanded.

County cricket experience: Calling England’s county system “the best domestic cricket in the world,” he credited it for sharpening his skills, improving his discipline, and helping him grow both on and off the field.

Test debut emotions: Recalling his debut on a spin-friendly pitch, he said, “Goosebumps tell you that you are a Test player,” emphasizing the pride and emotional intensity of representing Pakistan at the highest level.

Injury reality: Kashif opened up about the physical toll of fast bowling, remarking, “Fast bowlers hide things. They carry injuries,” pointing to the constant battle to stay fit while delivering at high pace.

Inspirations: He cited legends Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, and James Anderson as key influences in shaping his bowling mindset and approach.

Future goals: Focused and ambitious, Kashif aims to play across all formats for Pakistan and maintain top-level fitness throughout his career.

Watch the full interview with Saj here:

 

[BouncerGuy]

I agree with what he said in the context of excuses. Yeah, a fast bowler might not get suitable conditions if there are friendly tracks on offer, but he should be capable enough to keep things tight at least. He cannot be giving free runs and should be able to support the spinners in such conditions.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Debut after his expiry date.

 

[Mohammad Aizaz]

In our latest exclusive interview, Kashif Ali, Pakistan’s rising pace bowler and Kent County star, opens up about his remarkable journey from late-blooming domestic cricketer to Test debutant. Discover how this Rawalpindi speedster defied the odds, debuted at 27, and embraced the challenges of county cricket to refine his craft.

Key topics include:

Late but determined: Kashif acknowledged his delayed debut, stating, “Yes, I debuted pretty late”, reflecting on the tough grind through Pakistan’s domestic structure and the perseverance it demanded.

County cricket experience: Calling England’s county system “the best domestic cricket in the world,” he credited it for sharpening his skills, improving his discipline, and helping him grow both on and off the field.

Test debut emotions: Recalling his debut on a spin-friendly pitch, he said, “Goosebumps tell you that you are a Test player,” emphasizing the pride and emotional intensity of representing Pakistan at the highest level.

Injury reality: Kashif opened up about the physical toll of fast bowling, remarking, “Fast bowlers hide things. They carry injuries,” pointing to the constant battle to stay fit while delivering at high pace.

Inspirations: He cited legends Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, and James Anderson as key influences in shaping his bowling mindset and approach.

Future goals: Focused and ambitious, Kashif aims to play across all formats for Pakistan and maintain top-level fitness throughout his career.

Watch the full interview with Saj here:

Bro hasn't played on the pitches that were produced during the RR tenure. He would have become a spinner by now.

 

[Asad T]

Debut after his expiry date.

So did Misbah, but you are right, it's hard to debut at an older age being a fast bolwer

I'm glad to see him do well in Kent, though

 

[Saj]

I like this guy's attitude.

But it's very suspicious that he didn't get a chance in first class until he was 27 years old.

Usual story in Pakistan cricket, no links - no play.

 

[BouncerGuy]

TBH., fans should also be patient when there is a situation like Kashif mentioned. We become too harsh towards a fast bowler who is bending his back and bowling over after over on dead tracks that have nothing to offer for pacers but is a spin heaven.