KARACHI: If Pakistan are to be rated among the teams that could lift the next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, they will need their giant fast bowler Mohammad Irfan to be firing on all cylinders.

Since picking up two hip injuries of serious nature in the last one year, Irfan has been extremely cautious about his own fitness and his dream of participating in his maiden 50-over World Cup, a tournament he doesn’t want to miss.

“Of course, like many players it is my greatest desire to play in a major event like the World Cup. It’s something I’ve long dreamt of since I started playing cricket,” Irfan told Dawn on Tuesday. “Performing on the biggest stage is my goal and I’m willing to make the sacrifices to remain in peak fitness for the mega event.”

Arguably the tallest cricketer to play in the international arena, Irfan made a rare return to first-class cricket when he turned out for Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) against Karachi Zebras in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy National Cricket Championship Silver League fixture here at the UBL Sports Complex.

Playing his first longer version game other than a limited-over match after almost a year — his last first-class appearance was during the second Test against South Africa at Abu Dhabi in October 2013 — Irfan returned with a bang when he took a hat-trick as the Zebras were skittled out for 83 in their first innings last Friday.

“Yeah it was something that just happened,” Irfan spoke of the feat. “It is always taxing when one has to turn up for first-class cricket, but I felt good despite bowling a short spell. The rhythm was there and so was the pace. In competitive cricket you can judge the fitness level and that’s why I opted to play.

“In hindsight it was a good workout and I’m glad to say that it was worth it. I’ve been through tough times with injuries that almost jeopardised my career. The medical advice which I still follow has been excellent t say the least.

“These days, my general well-being is minutely monitored by the team of doctors, trainers and physio people in the board. They are wonderful people and I owe them a lot. I’ve been given a schedule that needs to be implemented religiously so that I remain fit,” the 7’ 1” left-armer revealed.

Irfan was a late bloomer and didn’t play first-class cricket until he was 27. In his debut game against PIA at the National Stadium in October 2009 he bowled 25 overs without success as Test opener Khurram Manzoor hit a double century (241).

“I remember that game. The wicket was favouring the batsmen from the start and since we bowled second it was tough going in hot conditions.

“A few people who came to see the match were looking at me in some trepidation because of my height and physical appearance,” Irfan recalled. “Even though I didn’t do well but the experience [of playing] was good. Subsequently I came into the notice of the national selectors who thought then I could play at the international level.”

Irfan was called up for his international baptism on the ill-fated tour of England in 2010 and made his debut in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street where he failed to take a wicket while conceding 37 runs in 5.3 overs.

But since then he has made good strides as his stats suggest (45 wickets at just fewer than 30 per scalp in 33 matches with an economy of 4.77). In eight T20 Internationals, he has taken three wickets while in four Tests Irfan has grabbed 10 wickets.

“One can only learn as you go along and that’s my philosophy. Initially I was nervous, which was understandable, since I had not played in front of so many people in a televised match,” Irfan remarked.

“Basically I’m a very shy sort of individual and try as much I can afford to stay away from the [media] limelight. But in modern-day life, one really can’t expect to enjoy a private life if you are a famous person.”

Irfan further said he enjoyed bowling with currently incapacitated fellow left-arm paceman Junaid Khan while adding that they complement each other like telepathy.

“Definitely when Junaid is bowling, I dearly want to be operating from the other end because together we provide a big contrast given Junaid’s shorter height. Often he gets the wickets because of the pressure I create. The batsmen fear me more than other bowlers and this is an open fact,” Irfan admitted.

“I really get happy to see Junaid get the reward since he tries so hard and in a team game we all strive not only to enjoy each other’s company but also individual successes and milestones.”

Irfan said he prefers limited-overs cricket over Test matches. “It is all due to my extraordinary height. I’m not used to bowling long spells as one has to do in Test cricket. That is why I prefer one-day and T20 over Test matches.

“At 33 I don’t know how much longer will I be able to survive in international cricket? Whatever comes my way I to make full use [of opportunities] so that I serve Pakistan cricket in the best possible way,” the Gaggu Mandi-born speedster emphasised.

“Some days ago I turned down a lucrative T20 deal just to keep my focus for Pakistan. I’m looking forward to be bowling on those pitches [in Australia and New Zealand] aiding seam bowling when the World Cup starts.”

Published in Dawn, October 29th , 2014