Pakistan’s quick bowler Khurram Shahzad chatting with Geo Information at New Street, Worcester. — Reporter
Pakistani quick bowler Khurram Shahzad firmly believes that constant performances within the Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL) earlier this 12 months and now within the T20 Blast will pave the way in which for his inclusion in Pakistan’s white-ball setup.
25 years previous Khurram, who hails from the district Mandi Bahauddin, has featured in six Take a look at matches since making his worldwide debut for Pakistan in December 2023 in opposition to Australia. He was signed by Worcestershire County Cricket Membership for the second half of this season to play within the T20 Blast and the County Championship.
“Now, getting this opportunity to perform as an overseas player in the T20 Blast is also a big deal for me. It’s a fantastic tournament, and I’m doing my best to perform well here too so that I can impress the national selectors and represent Pakistan in both T20 and ODI formats. I truly believe, Insha’Allah, that this will happen,” he added.
To this point, Khurram has solely performed Take a look at matches for Pakistan. He has been energetic within the PSL for the previous 4 seasons, initially with Quetta Gladiators and later with Peshawar Zalmi.
Nevertheless, he didn’t get a lot sport time in these seasons. This 12 months, returning to Quetta Gladiators, he performed eight matches, taking 12 wickets and helped the workforce attain the ultimate, which they misplaced to the eventual winners, Lahore Qalandars.
His latest performances throughout codecs, backed by a string endorsement from former captain of the Pakistan workforce and ex-Worcestershire participant Azhar Ali, have been adequate to persuade Worcestershire CCC to signal him to a deal for which he’s grateful to each.
“This year, I returned to Quetta Gladiators, where I led the bowling attack alongside Mohammad Amir. I enjoyed bowling with him as we had a great combination. We won eight matches but unfortunately lost in the final. Now I’m with Worcestershire, and I aim to give my full effort—110%—to perform well for them and contribute as much as I can to the team’s success. I’m really thankful to the entire Worcestershire management for trusting me,” he stated.
Khurram can also be having fun with the chance to reconnect with fellow Pakistani quick bowler Hasan Ali, who’s at present enjoying for neighbouring Warwickshire within the T20 Blast.
“Hasan Ali is also in action here, but since I’ve arrived here, we’ve only managed to meet briefly after a match. I was very excited to catch up with him, and we talked about his experience here. I’m thankful to him for spending time with me; he gave me some really helpful advice and explained a lot of things about the conditions here. He’s quite funny, but he’s also my senior, and I learn a lot from him.”
The younger pacer additionally shared his admiration for South African nice Dale Steyn, who has had a robust affect on his bowling type. As a result of similarities in bowling type and motion, Khurram is commonly named as Pakistani Dale Steyn.
“My bowling action is natural, but my run-up and action are quite similar to Dale Steyn. He’s my favourite and also my idol, so I always try to bowl like him. He’s a legendary cricketer and was the world’s number one bowler for many years, dominating the game across all formats. I love watching his videos and studying them carefully to learn as much as I can from him.”
For Khurram, that is additionally an ideal alternative to shine his bowling expertise and comply with within the footsteps of a few of Pakistan’s nice quick bowlers. Though he fell unwell upon arrival within the UK, he’s now absolutely acclimatised and having fun with each the circumstances and the expertise of county cricket, together with doing a lot of his each day chores on his personal.
“I’m very excited to play county cricket. I’ve heard from Pakistan’s legendary cricketers that county cricket is a must; you learn a lot from it. I’ve played a few matches in the Blast, and I’m enjoying the grounds, the crowd, the atmosphere, and the weather here.
“When I was in Pakistan, the temperature was around 45°C. But when I got here, it was cloudy and rainy. While we were in Leeds, it felt like winter. Due to the sudden weather change, I caught a cough, a cold, and a sore throat. But overall, it’s ideal weather for cricket and, as a fast bowler, I’m really enjoying the conditions here,” he concluded.
