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[VIDEOS] Talent Spotter: Mohammad Irfan Khan Niazi

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A comprehensive profile of highly-rated Mianwali-born batsman Mohammad Irfan Khan Niazi, who has put in some impressive performances for Pakistan Under-19s and in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (2nd XI).


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Name: Mohammad Irfan Khan Niazi

Birth: 28th December 2002, Mianwali, Punjab

Teams: Pakistan Under-19s, Central Punjab

Batting style: Right-hand batsman

Bowling: Right-arm medium-fast (occasional)


Interest in cricket and playing hard-ball cricket in 2015

I used to play tape-ball cricket during my early days, but the captain of a local club felt that my batting skills could be put to better use by playing proper hard-ball cricket and that’s where I started to play club cricket at the Ikram Shaheed Cricket Club (Mianwali) in 2015. Initially, there were some reservations from my uncles about my playing cricket but thankfully my father was on my side. I have also continued my studies in Faisalabad on the side and hope to enrol in a university for a degree course in the future.


Playing District Under-19 cricket for Mianwali in 2016, and Regional Under-19s for Faisalabad in 2017

After gaining experience at club level, I was selected to play District Level Under-19 cricket for Mianwali. This was my debut season and I did not do that well but learnt a lot from this experience. All this turned around in 2017 when I was appointed captain for the same side, District Level Under-19 Mianwali, upon some good performances. 2017 was also the year when I was asked to play Under-19 cricket for Faisalabad Region where I quickly gained the reputation of being a key player as I was the third-highest run-getter for my side.


An exceptional season in 2018 playing Regional Under-19 cricket for Faisalabad

My good form continued in 2018 where I continued to captain the District side and was also appointed captain for the Faisalabad Regional Under-19 side too. I had a great time fielding in that season as I took 27 catches and I was the 2nd highest run-getter in the Inter Region U-19 Three Day Tournament 2018/19 with 453 runs in 8 matches with 1 hundred and 2 fifties. The season could have ended up even better for me had I been picked for a PSL side for the 2019 edition but despite my name being part of the emerging category, I was not selected by any franchise.


The Under-19 tour of South Africa in 2019

Based upon my performances for Faisalabad Under-19 Region where my side became finalists of the 3-Day competition and I had the distinction of scoring a match-winning century in the final game, I was asked to attend the training camp for the Pakistan Under-19 side for the tour of South Africa. This was a tour that I will remember for a long time as we white-washed the hosts by winning all 7 Youth ODIs and I scored a very satisfactory 208 runs in 6 matches, including an innings of 122. Representing Pakistan at the Under-19 level was a great feeling for me and really boosted my confidence. The wickets in South Africa were very different from what we were used to in Pakistan as there was much more pace and bounce on offer, especially the Durban wicket was a tough one to bat on, but I really enjoyed playing on those surfaces. I think the most satisfying part of this trip was that not only did my coaches praise my batting, but I also got a lot of positive comments from the opposition team as well.


Experience of playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (2nd XI) this year

It is an amazing experience for me to be part of the Central Punjab 2nd XI. At one point in the tournament, I was the leading scorer but I am now in the top 10 (with 434 runs in 8 matches at an average of 54) as I didn’t get a chance to bat in a few matches. As a young batsman, I have been lucky to play against teams with some excellent and well-known players such as Awais Zia, Mohammad Sami and Raza Hasan. Incidentally, it was against a bowling line-up containing Raza Hasan where I hit seven sixes during my innings of 85.


Aspirations to play in the 2020 edition of the PSL

This is a big goal on my list, and I am hoping that with all the good performances under my belt so far, the Almighty will give me a chance to play in the next edition of the PSL.


Role model and ability to play in all formats of the game

Shane Watson has always been my role model as I really like his batting style and also his mental strength is awesome. As for me, I don’t copy anyone in batting as such and have my own individual style. I love to play in all formats of the game, in fact, the challenge of playing in different match situations is one that appeals to me a lot. I feel that the more difficult the conditions, the more enjoyable it is for a batsman like me to help my team win. I can pull the ball when needed but the shot that gives me the most satisfaction is the straight drive.


Looking forward to participation in the Under-19 World Cup 2020 in South Africa

Like any youngster, I would love to be part of the Pakistan squad for this tournament. It will obviously be an honour to represent my country and help lift the trophy, but what would really please me is if I can win the Man of the Tournament award as well. Of course, the ultimate aim is to use all these performances as a way of getting noticed by the selectors so I can represent Pakistan at the national level one day, Insha'Allah.
 
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Seems he will be an important part of the U19 World Cup squad - should be more experienced by then.
 
Impressive young batsman as he showed in the series against SA as well. Good to see U19 team this time around producing decent batsmen as well, there werent many batting talents In last couple of WCs with the exception of Omair Yousuf who wasnt given a long run back then.
 
4th highest scorer in the QeA 2nd XI at an average of over 50.

Very impressive numbers.
 
Batsman Mohammad Irfan Khan sets sights on ICC U19 Cricket World Cup quarter-final

“We have given collective performances in the tournament so far, I believe we can produce the goods in the crunch quarter-final,” says Pakistan’s utility middle-order batsman

Johannesburg, 28 January 2020:

Mianwali-born middle-order batsman Mohammad Irfan Khan has remained a permanent fixture of Pakistan U19 sides since appearing in the seven-match series against South Africa U19 in June 2019. The tall right-handed batsman who is one of the best fielders in the side has also played all three Group C fixtures of the ongoing ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2o20 being played in South Africa.

Irfan made a big impact in Pakistan’s 7-0 sweep of the 50-over matches’ series in South Africa scoring 208 runs in four innings including an innings of 122, he averaged 69.33. His impressive show made his selection for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup easy coupled with his fitness and fielding abilities.

In Pakistan U19’s tournament opener against Scotland, Irfan was promoted from his lower-order position to number four by head coach Ijaz Ahmed. Irfan looked at ease in his unbeaten 38-run innings which helped his side overcome the minnows by seven wickets. Irfan hit six fours in his 37-ball innings.

Irfan has also dazzled in the field with some fine catches in the slips and inside the 30-yard circle.

Against Zimbabwe, Irfan contributed 15 off 18 balls in a 41-run stand with Mohammad Haris. He then made a stunning contribution in the field by taking an extraordinary catch at mid-wicket diving full length and catching the ball with his right hand to dismiss Zimbabwe captain Dion Myers.

Myers had threatened to take the game away from Pakistan as the African side were placed at 186 for two in the 36th over when Irfan took the catch. Irfan took a total of three catches in the match; his tournament tally so far is six catches (three against Zimbabwe, two against Scotland and one against Bangladesh).

Irfan wants to continue to make an all-round contribution as Pakistan aim to seal a semi-final spot by overcoming Afghanistan in the quarter-final clash at Benoni’s Willowmoore Park on Friday.

Mohammad Irfan Khan said: “So far it has been a team effort from our side. Mohammad Haris and Qasim Akram have especially batted very well and led the way for us while our bowlers have given collective performances which have helped us in our qualification for the quarter-finals. The bowlers were brilliant against Bangladesh. Similarly, our fielding has been good too with Haris, Qasim and Haider especially doing very well.

“Against Scotland, I batted higher in the order as coaches trusted my ability and sent me to bat at number four. There wasn’t much pressure and I was able to play my natural game. [On the catch against Zimbabwe], the ball was travelling as they were playing shots, I kept thinking that if a chance comes to me I will grab it and won’t give a second chance to the batsmen, luckily it turned out that way. I really enjoy fielding and our fielding coach also works very hard with us, I have been selected in many sides due to my fielding abilities alone.

“My natural game is aggressive, I like to play my shots as I have played a lot of limited overs cricket. I like to hit big. My favourite player is Shane Watson.

“In the quarter-final our aim would be to score big runs and then restrict the opposition and keep things simple in the chase if we are to chase a target, we should aim to chase it down quickly. We have put in a big effort in our build-up to this tournament and since coming here hopefully we will get the rewards.

“In the longer run my aim is to represent Pakistan and serve the senior team for a long time.”

Pakistan have started training and underwent a rigorous practice and training session for the second consecutive day in Benoni after arriving in Johannesburg on Sunday (team’s base for the quarter-final match).
 
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Let's see what he does, needs to help Rohail
 
Good opportunity for him to impress vs MCC for Shaheens.
 
No talent in this guy!

Pure case of nepotism from the 'Mianwali' 17 year old.

Averaged 28 in U19 World Cup and failed apart from one innings where he scored 30 vs Scotland

One month later, was blessed to make his LIST-A debut for Shaheens ! How lucky do you have to get. We have players playing for years without getting the chance to represent Shaheens. He did so on his debut, and predictably failed scoring 13.

Few months after that, was selected RANDOMLY to play the National T20. Not the second XI, but the first XI!!!!! And predictably he failed once again. He averaged 5 with the bat, and took 1 wicket at an economy rate of 11.

The pain didn't end though. One month later was selected to play in the Central Punjab second XI for the 3 day tournament. He played 17 innings in total, and averaged only 20. Once again another failure.

But guess what? Despite that, was selected once again for the one day tournament where he played today. Batting at 4, he scored 17. So another failure.

Meanwhile, Muhammed Huraira has played ZERO senior games this year.

Nepotism still exists, and if you want to know where it comes from, look at the city where Irfan Khan was born.

And look up Abu Bakar Khan, another one from Mianwali who is a classic nepotism case.
 
Yeah, no idea why he’s being fast tracked all over the place. What does Mianwali have to do with it?
 
Bullet Drive said:
No talent in this guy!

Pure case of nepotism from the 'Mianwali' 17 year old.

Averaged 28 in U19 World Cup and failed apart from one innings where he scored 30 vs Scotland

One month later, was blessed to make his LIST-A debut for Shaheens ! How lucky do you have to get. We have players playing for years without getting the chance to represent Shaheens. He did so on his debut, and predictably failed scoring 13.

Few months after that, was selected RANDOMLY to play the National T20. Not the second XI, but the first XI!!!!! And predictably he failed once again. He averaged 5 with the bat, and took 1 wicket at an economy rate of 11.

The pain didn't end though. One month later was selected to play in the Central Punjab second XI for the 3 day tournament. He played 17 innings in total, and averaged only 20. Once again another failure.

But guess what? Despite that, was selected once again for the one day tournament where he played today. Batting at 4, he scored 17. So another failure.

Meanwhile, Muhammed Huraira has played ZERO senior games this year.

Nepotism still exists, and if you want to know where it comes from, look at the city where Irfan Khan was born.

And look up Abu Bakar Khan, another one from Mianwali who is a classic nepotism case.
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Hurraira should be in the squad espically since hes related to shaoib malik :) on a serious i dont no how this guy isnt playing for atleast the second xi
 
Thunderbolt14 said:
Can we really hold Misbah accountable though? He barely watched domestic cricket, and is not the one responsible for selecting him in the Central Punjab 1st XI - the person you want is Shahid Anwar.
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I think people just have habit of stating its all misbah ul haq fault when we clearly no it isnt his fault
 
Why does the Niazi part have to be emphasized? Sounds like a forced effort looking for a savior from that 'cricketing' clan
 
What has this guy actually done? And what is his super talent? He has played two under 19 world cups in a row and I am yet to see any innings of substance from him.
 
I don't understand the hype behind this guy. He has looked awful whenever I have seen him bat.
 
19(11) for Irfan today for Karachi Kings!

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Like our seniors our youngsters are not the sharpest in the field it seems but Irfan appears to be perhaps different.

Previously he stopped a certain 4 with his jump/hand (only 1 run was conceded instead of the boundary), and that dive surprised the bowler himself who wasn't expecting a wicket
 
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World class catch

One of the best catches I have seen from a Pakistani cricketer
 
Mirpuri Don said:
Like our seniors our youngsters are not the sharpest in the field it seems but Irfan appears to be perhaps different.

Previously he stopped a certain 4 with his jump/hand (only 1 run was conceded instead of the boundary), and that dive surprised the bowler himself who wasn't expecting a wicket
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Rana said:
World class catch

One of the best catches I have seen from a Pakistani cricketer
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Brilliant catch today and didn't look the worst batter we have seen recently in the PSL.
 
Saj said:
Brilliant catch today and didn't look the worst batter we have seen recently in the PSL.
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I feel that, one of the main problems Karachi and Quetta have, is that they don’t empower their youngsters enough Vs say Lahore. Last year Zaman Khan got absolutely smashed in the first game he played, but LQ persisted with him. They’ll probably do something similar w/ Tahir Baig this year.

For Karachi, how secure is Niazi’s spot? Qasim Akram did reasonably well for KK last year, performed really well in the National t20 for Central Punjab this year, and then got dropped after *one* bad performance in game 1. If these lads play on and off they’ll never fully develop.
 
KingOfPakBreakfast said:
I feel that, one of the main problems Karachi and Quetta have, is that they don’t empower their youngsters enough Vs say Lahore. Last year Zaman Khan got absolutely smashed in the first game he played, but LQ persisted with him. They’ll probably do something similar w/ Tahir Baig this year.

For Karachi, how secure is Niazi’s spot? Qasim Akram did reasonably well for KK last year, performed really well in the National t20 for Central Punjab this year, and then got dropped after *one* bad performance in game 1. If these lads play on and off they’ll never fully develop.
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lahore got a lot of stick for how bad they did for a long time, but there model is reaping dividends now, in harris and zaman they have two great local products, and they have contributed to shaheens development too.

I'm just hoping they give shahwaiz irfan a run too. pak are desperate for a development squad hitter, so others might have confidence in their back up batters too
 
The catch that he took was absolutely magnificent.
Got a quick cameo which was required at that time.
 
Match ka mujrim , lost the game for KK. Pathetic and selfish display from him, low club level players, wonder what he is doing in PSL. Could not hit boundaries when it was needed . Played so many dots and singles. Should be benched now on ward.
 
moghul said:
Match ka mujrim , lost the game for KK. Pathetic and selfish display from him, low club level players, wonder what he is doing in PSL. Could not hit boundaries when it was needed . Played so many dots and singles. Should be benched now on ward.
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He batted okay baring the 18th over.
 
Rana said:
He has Misbah written all over him
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Yes, he just wanted to be remained not out, didn't even try to increase the run rate . Whenever poor old Malik raised the tempo by hitting some boundaries , this guy would kill the tempo by playing some tuk-tuk deliveries .
 
Amazing catch

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Could he play the role of Mohammed Kaif for India in the 2000s ?

Kaif wasn't a bad batsman per se, decent option in the middle-order, used to rotate the strike and be handy in chases, but his patrolling at cover/point was the reason he was a regular, playing +100 ODIs in a legendary batting line-up.

A good fielder even if he contributes 30s with the bat through his catches/stopping boundaries in a sense become a +40 averaging batsman of some sort.

Then there's the whole angle of dynamizing the team (hyperactivity from one individual is contagious) and even bringing a new fielding culture (as Robin Singh somehow failed to do for India in the late 90s, team "mentality" wasn't ready probably, but Kaif-Yuvraj definitely did in the early 2000s).
 
Needs work on his game against slower balls. Also seems to struggle if the ball is not in the half volley sweet spot. Decent prospect though. Need a few more seasons to develop his game and truly have the wow factor. But the raw materials are there.
 
I like this guy.

His range of shots is good. He can play the pacers and spinners.

He has good game awareness, runs well between the wickets also.
 
Very impressive from Irfan Khan Niazi - providing some great support to Imad Wasim.
 
I'm not impressed, to me he is a club level cricketer, not a team player and doens;t try to increase the RR when its needed . Tuk tuk to start with and later gets out when time to finish the game . Qasim Akram is far far better than him, he should have been persisted with.
 
Mohammad Irfan 70(68) helped Faisalabad region to secure victory over Lahore Whites.

 
FearlessRoar said:
Mohammad Irfan 70(68) helped Faisalabad region to secure victory over Lahore Whites.

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That shot around the 25 second mark is pretty outrageous. Just makes it all the more insane Kohli pulled off that shot against Rauf at the moment with his pace.
 
Superb fielder - a catch and a run out today.
 
In a TV show, Misbah-ul-Haq talked about the inclusion of Mohammaf Irfan Khan Niazi in the Pakistan cricket team, he said:

"We can consider him [Mohammad Irfan Khan Niazi] for the 5th or 6th position but he needs to improve a little bit more. Overall if you observe his performances in these positions so you have Shadab who has been scoring well at the 4th or 5th position and we have Iftikhar who is making an impact at the 6th position. So i think if there is no one else available for these positions so obviously you have to think about whoever is performing at that number."
 
He's got potential for sure and one of the few middle order options in domestics that's a legitimate option. Still very young and a bit raw... I think a couple of seasons in domestic should get him ready for international cricket. I like that his fielding is quite good.
 
Irfan has definitely shown a potential to be a future middle-order batter. He is well suited for the number 5-6 slot but at the moment, both these positions have been filled in my opinion. SHadab has been brilliant at those numbers, while Iftikhar has emerged as a prime hitter at the number 6 slot. In case we need a batter, he is the guy for sure, gun-fielder as well.
 
Nasty Naz said:
He's got potential for sure and one of the few middle order options in domestics that's a legitimate option. Still very young and a bit raw... I think a couple of seasons in domestic should get him ready for international cricket. I like that his fielding is quite good.
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He can only be selected based on his fielding, he is a gun fielder. I think he could be tried in T20Is as he could be very handy in the number 5 or 6 position. At least he is way better than players like Asif Ali, Haider Ali, and Haris.
 
Impressed by his batting and fielding. Hope he continues to develop. We need a player like him in the National setup
 
He fielded brilliantly throughout the PSL 9 and was deserving of winning the fielder of the tournament award. He was also declared the emerging player of the tournament.
 
The best fielder of the PSL 9 and having played some good knocks as well, Irfan has secured a spot in the Pakistan team for the upcoming series against New Zealand at home.
 
Irfan Khan speaking on earning his maiden call for the T20I series against New Zealand:

“I am deeply honoured to have been selected in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Breaking into such a formidable team like Pakistan is a testament to the dedication and effort I have put into my game. Now, my focus is on seizing this opportunity and solidifying my position within the team.

“I am fully committed to continuing to work diligently and proving myself worthy of the trust placed in me by the captain and selectors.”​
 
Mohammad Yousuf greeted Irfan Khan Niazi on becoming part of the PCT squad for upcoming NZ series:

“On behalf of the selection committee, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Muhammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan on their inclusion in the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. Both players have undeniably earned their spots through a string of consistent, outstanding performances.

“We hold great optimism and belief in their potential to become key impact players, yet recognise that this requires ongoing dedication and effort. I trust that both players will continue their upward trajectory, sparing no effort in proving themselves worthy of the selectors' and captain's trust and confidence.”
 
It's gone beyond hope now, but Irfan Khan Niazi needs to work out as a No.6 & he should be given a few chances specially if you see how long Asif Ali & Khushi stink the joint.
 
I hope he gets to play a few games for Pakistan in the upcoming series.

--------------------------

Irfan Khan Niazi speaking during an interview:

“Ever since we started playing cricket, we have had only one dream - to play for Pakistan. It is a great honor to play for Pakistan for a long time. I was very happy, a feeling I can’t express in words. The whole family was also very happy. When the team was announced by the PCB, I was sitting there watching TV. The whole family was sitting and watching together. I can’t express that feeling either. It was like a double Eid for me, and there was a lot of happiness. All my relatives and all the people of the locality came to meet me. They congratulated me. This happiness cannot be expressed because your fans come to meet you, they wish you the best. Right now, only hard work is in my hands and I will work as hard as I can. But my ultimate aim is to play for Pakistan for a long time and play as a main player.”​
 
Mianwali’s Match winner – Muhammad Irfan Khan's Journey from School Trials to Pakistan Team Camp

Karachi, April 14, 2024:

Mianwali, the 82nd largest city in Pakistan situated on the border of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, is home to Punjabi, Pashto, and Saraiki speakers. Historically known for its forests and agricultural lands, this region has not only produced notable figures in music, arts, literature, politics, and society but has also contributed significantly to Pakistan's sports arena. Among these contributors is Muhammad Irfan Khan, a graduate from Karachi Kings' Emerging category, who has secured a place in Pakistan's national cricket team squad.

Irfan hails from Mianwali, where he initiated his cricket journey. However, his beginning wasn't smooth, as he faced failure in his first school trial. Reflecting on those days, Irfan recalls, "When I tried out for the school team, I couldn't make it. Taking it as a challenge, I decided to prove myself and get selected. Eventually, not only did I get selected, but I also became the captain of the school team, thus marking the beginning of my cricketing journey."

After school cricket, Irfan's next destination was the district level Under-19 team. His first year wasn't as successful, and he was advised to quit cricket and pursue studies or another career path. Recounting his experience, Irfan said, "When I was selected for Mianwali District Under-19 team, I didn't get a chance to play in the first four matches of the season. It was only in the fifth and the last match of the team in the season when I got out for a duck in the first innings and got run out in the second. At that point, the team coach advised me to quit cricket, considering it a waste of time. This was my second challenge. I went back to my club and practiced from noon till evening after school every single day. Throughout the year, I worked hard, and eventually, I became the captain of the same team, Mianwali District Under-19. In Mianwali, the captain of my club and my mentor, Inzamam-ul-Haq, provided me with a lot of guidance, and he is my first formal coach."

For his cricket career, Irfan left his city Mianwali and shifted to Faisalabad, where he continued his educational and cricket journey at the renowned institution DPS (Divisional Public School & College). Speaking about this, Irfan said, "The principal of DPS, Shahid Mahmood, supported me a lot in terms of cricket and gave me the opportunity to captain the DPS team for three years. When the cricket academy I used to play for in Faisalabad, FACE cricket academy, closed down for some reason, I joined the cricket academy of former Test cricketer Mohammad Salman, and under his coaching, I got the opportunity to improve my cricket skills significantly. Salman (bhai) provided me with excellent guidance."

Irfan's performance at the Inter-Regional level was instrumental in clinching the championship for Faisalabad Region in the Inter-Regional Under-19 Three-Day Tournament in his second year. He struck a century for Faisalabad in the final of the tournament. With an average of 41 runs in 13 innings, including one century and two half-centuries, and 12 catches, Irfan was among the top five batsmen of the tournament. Despite excelling in cricket, Irfan was also coping with the loss of his younger brother.

Based on his performance at the Inter-Regional level, Irfan Khan was included in the Pakistan Under-19 camp and subsequently joined the team touring South Africa in 2019. Recalling his journey, Irfan said, "In 2019, I got selected for Pakistan Under-19, and I was picked for the series against South Africa. On that tour, I scored a century. At that time, I used to bat in the middle order, which allowed me to play longer innings. Our coach, Azam Khan, advised me to play in the lower middle order and take on the role of a finisher."

During this tour, Irfan scored 208 runs in four innings with an average of 69.33 and took three catches. His next milestone for Pakistan Under-19 was the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in South Africa in 2020. In three innings, he scored 56 runs and remained a prominent fielder for Pakistan with six catches in five matches. He was also part of the squad for the 2021 Under-19 Asia Cup held in the United Arab Emirates, where he scored 61 runs, being Pakistan's fourth-highest run-scorer, and took eight catches in four matches, emerging as Pakistan's most outstanding fielder.

In the 2021 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in the West Indies, Irfan represented Pakistan as a finisher, scoring 132 runs in five innings.

Talking about his experience in the Under-19 World Cup, Irfan says, "In the Under-19 World Cup in the West Indies, my role was that of a finisher, and my batting position was such that I sometimes got the opportunity to bat and sometimes not. In the first match of the tournament, I scored 75 runs against Zimbabwe, then 24 against Bangladesh, and 27 against Australia. After that, I got the opportunity to play domestic cricket at the senior level, and I was included in Central Punjab's Second XI. I was the youngest player in Central Punjab that year."

In the 2021-22 domestic cricket season, Irfan scored 529 runs with an average of 53 in the Cricket Association Championship (T20s) and 79 runs in the Cricket Association Challenge (Three-Day). In the 2022-23 season, Irfan was included in Central Punjab's First XI, and in this season, he scored 141 runs in the National T20 Cup and 122 runs in the Pakistan Cup. Karachi Kings selected Muhammad Irfan Khan in the Emerging Category in the HBL PSL Draft 2023 based on his performance for Central Punjab in that season.

Irfan says, "Playing from Central Punjab, my role was such that it was difficult to be on top in terms of scoring because I used to bat as a lower-middle-order finisher, but I always remained in the top 10 scorers. At that time, Central Punjab had a star studded squad in the First XI, which made it difficult to find a place in it. But the coaches knew who was performing in the Second XI. When Abdul Razzaq became the coach and saw me playing, he gave me the opportunity to play in the National T20 Cup, and based on my performance in that tournament, Karachi Kings selected me for the HBL Pakistan Super League 2023."

Talking about his experience in the HBL PSL, Irfan says, "It was an honor to have my name in the HBL PSL, and I am very grateful to the management of Karachi Kings for believing in me and providing me with ample opportunities. I had a lot to learn in my first season, it was all a very new experience for me, and I would call the first year in the HBL PSL a learning opportunity for me. And this year, in HBL PSL 9, I was prepared to a great extent for it, Karachi Kings retained me and supported me continuously. I am also thankful to Karachi Kings' owner Salman Iqbal for his constant support and encouragement at every opportunity. Assistant coach Muhammad Masroor, with whom I have been working with in the age group cricket, also provided me with excellent guidance in Karachi Kings and helped me improve my fielding and batting."

In the HBL PSL Season 9, Irfan Khan emerged not only as the best emerging player of the season but also as the best fielder, earning him a place in Pakistan's national cricket team's squad. Irfan says, "I received a lot of support from my parents, despite the loss of my younger brother and being their only son, they never insisted on me returning to them, but they always said that if I can play well, they will fully support me. When I transitioned from Under-19 to senior cricket, the way my seniors boosted my morale gave me a lot of confidence and taught me how to motivate others. Playing for Pakistan is the dream of every player, and when the team announcement was being made, I was watching it on TV with my family. The feeling of hearing my name in the national squad cannot be expressed in words."

Graduate of Karachi Kings from Mianwali, Muhammad Irfan Khan is determined to serve Pakistan cricket for a long time, believing in his hard work.

LtQHvnU.jpeg
 
Good luck to this guy! Haven’t seen much of his batting, but he is extremely fit and a great fielder.
 
Irfan Khan Niazi is making his debut for Pakistan against New Zealand in the 1st T20I
 
Another skinny guy who struggles to hit sixes.

Just what is needed down the order!
 
160KPH said:
They were going to play Azam Khan I believe, but he got an injury
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Even with Azam available, it would be better to have Fakhar at no. 5 and use him as a finisher.

He hasn't done well as opener in T20's, but too good to leave out and best to use his hitting abilities down the order at 5.
 
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