Irfan took 11 wickets in Pakistan's 2012 tour to South Africa, cementing his place in the team. PHOTO: AFP
"I know people notice me because of my height and I always try to oblige them by posing for a photograph," said Irfan.
"I will be ready to pose with fans in Australia and New Zealand but will remain focused on my job — to bowl my team to victories until we win the World Cup."
When Irfan toured South Africa with the Pakistan team early in 2013, fans were desperate to have a photo with the tallest-ever international cricketer.
"It was big fun," remembers 32-year-old Irfan. "I had no qualms as I am very down to earth and when people request a photo, wanting to compare their height against mine it becomes more fun for me."
On the field, however, Irfan's top priority remains to unsettle batsman. "It [the World Cup] is a big event and every player has a desire to play," said Irfan. "I want to do what Wasim Akram did for Pakistan in the 1992 World Cup."
Wasim anchored Pakistan's only World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand 23 years ago, finishing as the player of the tournament with 18 wickets.
Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq is confident that Irfan can provide the X-factor on the fast, bouncy tracks of Australia.
"Saeed Ajmal's absence has weakened our bowling," said Misbah of the ace off-spinner who had to withdraw from the event because of an illegal bowling action. "But I am confident that with his height, Irfan can be the X-factor for us."
Irfan knows his strengths which come as a result of his imposing size.
"It feels good that I perform for Pakistan. It's my greatest desire to do well for Pakistan so that people remember me with good words when I finish my career."
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No way we can compare the talent which waseem akram had at 1992 world cup neither we can compare the fitness level of irfan with waseem akram who kept on playing international cricket for almost 20 years with diabetise.
Bro, you'd be lucky to survive the whole tournament without breaking down.
Akram was indeed the player of the match though any way best of luck Mr. Irfan hope you achieve ur target, hope Pakistan get world cup 2015
Akram was indeed the player of the match though any way best of luck Mr. Irfan hope you achieve ur target, hope [Pakistan get world cup 2015][1]
We hope you don't repeat what wasim Akram did in 1999 or 2003.
@Omar Sadiq
Awesome mate ! I love you attention to details ..
"Unable to make a breakthrough in the sport, Irfan once made ends meet by working in a pipe factory, earning just 300 rupees (30 dollars) a week." ......Another wrong statement, Rs 300 is $3 and not $30.
"Wasim anchored Pakistan’s only World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand 23 years ago, finishing as the player of the tournament with 18 wickets.".........Wrong statement as Martin Crowe was the player of the tournament. Akram was indeed the player of the match though.