I made a premature debut: Irfan

Fast bowler claims to make comeback to cricket.

LAHORE: Out-of-favour Pakistan fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan has said that he made his international debut prematurely without having enough experience. Irfan, whose claim to fame was his unusually tall height, made his debut against England last year and played two One-Day Internationals but went wicketless and also spilled important catches before he was ruled out of the national side.

“Proper exposure to international cricket is a vital aspect before making one’s debut,” Irfan told The Express Tribune. “Though I made history by becoming the tallest cricketer to play international cricket, I must admit that it wasn’t an impressive debut at all.”

The 28-year-old was called as a replacement after the suspension of Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif.

“It was my first tour to England and it was a unique experience for me to bowl on English pitches. Since it was my very first match, I wanted to give my best but nothing worked for me.”

Irfan said that his inclusion was more due to his tall height than his bowling skill, however, the left-arm bowler believes he has the potential to make a comeback.

“My height is still an advantage but I am working hard to flourish my bowling skill.”

Irfan was also signed by one of the Indian Premier League franchises but was not bid on at the auction. “There were so many things I had to learn before making my debut. But now realising it, I am training and rolling my ongoing domestic cricket.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2011.