Former Pakistan red-ball head coach and ex-Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie has lauded young Pakistani all-rounder Irfan Khan Niazi, calling him a rising star with immense potential to shape the future of Pakistan cricket.
In a social media post, Gillespie praised the 22-year-old player for his quality, skills, and temperament, describing him as a cricketer capable of having a long and successful international career. He emphasized that Irfan Khan has the talent and determination needed to become a permanent feature of Pakistan’s squad across all formats.
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The former fast bowler went further by encouraging Twenty20 franchises around the world to consider drafting Irfan Khan into their squads, highlighting his ability to adapt to the shortest format of the game. According to Gillespie, Irfan possesses the flair, technique, and maturity that make him suitable for global leagues, which could also sharpen his skills for international duties with Pakistan.
This is not the first time Gillespie has publicly backed the youngster. Earlier, he criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for leaving Irfan Khan out of the Champions Trophy squad, stating that such an omission was a missed opportunity for the team. Gillespie’s continued praise reflects his belief that Irfan is not just a domestic talent but a player ready to excel on the world stage.
Irfan Khan Niazi’s recognition from a high-profile figure like Jason Gillespie is seen as a major confidence boost for the youngster. As Pakistan continues to develop its cricketing bench strength, emerging players like Irfan will be crucial in shaping the team’s future, both in red-ball and white-ball formats.
For now, all eyes are on how the talented all-rounder capitalizes on this international recognition and cements his place as one of Pakistan’s most promising cricketers.
