'My height was an advantage but I didn't know how to use it'
Mohammad Irfan, the 7ft 1in fast bowler, is a product of rural Pakistan, and comes from the small town of Gaggu Mandi, which produced another tall former Pakistan quick, Mohammad Zahid. Irfan is possibly the tallest known cricketer in the world today, beating England county players Anthony Allom, Paul Dunkels and Will Jefferson, who were all 6ft 10in. Irfan spoke to ESPNcricinfo about his journey from a PVC factory to the Pakistan dressing room.
| ||
We've heard about you working in a plastic factory in the past.
I was born into a poor family. In lower-class families, we usually quit studying to start working early. In my case, I completed my secondary education because I had six brothers who were already working. But after completing my matriculation, I also joined the factory.
I was born into a poor family. In lower-class families, we usually quit studying to start working early. In my case, I completed my secondary education because I had six brothers who were already working. But after completing my matriculation, I also joined the factory.
We belong to a labour-class family, and this is what my father and his father did. I have two sisters and five brothers. One of my brothers died some ten years back, and I am the youngest but the tallest of all. If it hadn't been for the support of my mentor Nadeem Iqbal, I might still be working in the factory and living an anonymous life.
How difficult has your life been?
To be honest, I had started enjoying my routine at the PVC factory. I had been promoted to the role of a foreman. I had accepted the fact that I had cricket in my life, but only for entertainment. I was earning enough money for myself and my family. I wanted to earn a respectable livelihood. I dreamt of playing at the national level, but that's a dream every amateur cricketer has.
To be honest, I had started enjoying my routine at the PVC factory. I had been promoted to the role of a foreman. I had accepted the fact that I had cricket in my life, but only for entertainment. I was earning enough money for myself and my family. I wanted to earn a respectable livelihood. I dreamt of playing at the national level, but that's a dream every amateur cricketer has.
How did you get into cricket? And what does it mean to you to be the tallest cricketer?
It took nearly a decade to find a real purpose for my height. I don't know if playing cricket is the best I can do with it, but I am comfortable and I am working hard to give myself a new life. Representing your country is a dream every child has, but only a few are able to convert their dreams into reality. I am one of them. Playing at the national level is not about money, it's about the honour.
It took nearly a decade to find a real purpose for my height. I don't know if playing cricket is the best I can do with it, but I am comfortable and I am working hard to give myself a new life. Representing your country is a dream every child has, but only a few are able to convert their dreams into reality. I am one of them. Playing at the national level is not about money, it's about the honour.
I started playing cricket with a tennis ball but was always attracted to hard-ball cricket. I joined a cricket club in my village. I used to play in shalwar kameez and school shoes, because I didn't have cricket shoes or trousers and shirts. In fact, I had never worn those. I managed to find a pair of cricket shoes with the help of my friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment