Pakistan’s rising quick bowler Kashif Ali. — Fb/Kashif Ali/File
LONDON: Pakistan’s rising quick bowler Kashif Ali is hopeful that robust first-class performances and a stint with English county Kent, his first within the ongoing county championship will assist him to cement his spot in Pakistan’s Take a look at workforce.
From making his Take a look at debut in a house collection in opposition to the West Indies to taking part in county cricket in England for the primary time, the 30-year-old resides by what he calls probably the most “blessed” part of his life — each on and off the sphere.
“Alhamdulillah, it’s been a special year,” Kashif stated. “I debuted in Test cricket and soon after, got the opportunity to play for Kent. It’s not easy adjusting to new conditions — the weather, the pitches, the overall environment — but I’m really happy with how things have gone so far.”
Kashif, who has been a constant performer in Pakistan’s home circuit, sees county cricket as a serious step up. In 5 championship matches he has performed thus far, he’s bagged 11 wickets.
“The facilities, structure, and support systems here are on another level. Cricket is the same everywhere — but the professional environment here really allows you to perform at your best.”
Enjoying beneath coach Adam Hollioake — who beforehand labored with Pakistan’s nationwide workforce — has made Kashif’s transition into county cricket smoother. “He’s very friendly and encouraging. We clicked within just a couple of sessions,” he stated.
For any cricketer, taking part in at Lord’s is a career-defining second, and Kashif was no exception. “As a young boy in Rawalpindi, I used to hear about the Lord’s and wonder what it would be like. Playing here was surreal. It truly feels like the home of cricket — from the crowd to the atmosphere, even down to the amazing food during the breaks,” he laughed.
Earlier this 12 months, Kashif earned his first name to the nationwide squad when he made his Take a look at debut in Multan, because the lone quick bowler in Pakistan’s Take a look at XI in opposition to the West Indies. “Representing Pakistan in Test cricket was a huge honour — a moment of pride for me, my wife, my parents, and my whole family. It’s a feeling I find hard to put into words.”
However it wasn’t simply his cricketing milestones that made 2024 unforgettable. Kashif additionally grew to become a father. “My daughter was born just before my Test debut — and since then, things have taken a beautiful turn. She’s been a source of strength and motivation for me. I genuinely believe she brought me good luck,” he shared.
Kashif’s cricketing journey started in 2010, impressed by legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar, a fellow Rawalpindi native. “Watching Shoaib Bhai made me fall in love with fast bowling. His energy, aggression, and passion left a huge impression on me.”
Wanting forward, Kashif stays targeted on sustaining his type and incomes an everyday spot in Pakistan’s nationwide workforce. “InshaAllah, my goal is to keep performing and stay in contention. That’s how you keep your place — with consistency.”
With the assist of his household, coaches, and mentors — and a promising county season underway — Kashif Ali isn’t solely making his mark in first-class cricket but additionally laying the muse for a protracted and impactful worldwide profession.
