Three budding players earn debut caps to play T20I

RAWALPINDI: Three budding cricketers Usman Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi and Ibrar Ahmed Thursday earned debut caps to play T20 International for the country.

As the rain-marred match was about to start following half an hour delay, Irfan was presented cap by Head Coach Azhar Mehmood, Usman received the debut cap from batting coach Mohammad Yousaf while spin wizard Saeed Ajmal handed over the cap to Ibrar.

“I am delighted to receive my debut cap at such an early stage in the five-match series. I knew that I would get a chance to play for the country but never knew that such call would come so early. It is like a dream come true for me. I always dreamt of playing for the country. Today it is nothing less than the best news I have ever received. Getting a green cap is honour for me and my family,” said Irfan Khan Niazi, who was declared as the best fielder in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.

He dedicated his cap to his parents. “My parents always prayed for me. They sacrificed their comfort to see me flourish and get into the national team. I gave my debut news to my mother first as she always prayed for my success.”

Usman Khan who sacrificed his UAE nationality and a chance of playing for the UAE team, said it had been a long struggle. “I am delighted that I have finally reached the place where I always wanted to be. It has not been an easy journey for me. I faced so many hurdles and have to take so many tough decisions on my way to get this green cap. Now I am delighted to receive the cap at the hands of one of the finest batsmen Pakistan has produced.”

Usman added that he worked hard to reach this place. “Now his only effort would be to perform to my best ability and win the series as well as the upcoming tournaments. My effort and desire would be to win matches and tournaments for the country. Now when I have reached the place where I wanted to be, I would not let the chance go easily.” Ibrar who already made his debut in Test cricket said he was delighted to be in the white-ball format of the game.