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KARACHI: Karachi Kings pacer Abbas Afridi has shed light on the influence of his uncle and former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul, crediting his mentorship as a key factor in shaping his bowling and overall career.
Speaking on the sidelines of a training session ahead of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash against Peshawar Zalmi, Abbas emphasised that consistent hard work remains central to his progress as he looks to make a strong impact in the tournament.
“I have been playing cricket for a long time, including at the U-19 level, and performed well there to reach this stage. Even now, I am working hard every day. I am grateful to Allah for where I am today,” Abbas said.
The young pacer highlighted the dual nature of having an experienced cricketer in the family, noting that while it brings valuable guidance, it also comes with accountability.
“Having a Test cricketer in the family definitely helps; you learn a lot, but you also get scolded,” he shared.
“In the last match, when I didn’t bowl well, he pointed it out and guided me on how to bowl in different situations. I often receive calls from him where he advises me and helps me improve.”
Gul, widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest T20 bowlers, enjoyed a distinguished career, including becoming the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in T20 internationals during the 2009 World T20.
Abbas Afridi also spoke about the benefits of sharing the dressing room with international stars at Karachi Kings, particularly under the leadership of David Warner.
“It’s a great experience playing under Warner and alongside players like Moeen Ali and Adam Zampa. You learn a lot from them; they guide you and share their experience,” he added.
The pacer also acknowledged the role of team director Haider Azhar in building a positive environment within the squad, something Abbas believes is crucial for success in a high-pressure tournament.
“A lot of credit goes to Haider bhai for creating such a good team environment. It really depends on how the atmosphere is within the team, and ours is very positive. InshaAllah, we will try our best to win the trophy this season,” he said.
While primarily known for his bowling, Abbas revealed he is also working on his batting to contribute in crunch moments.
“I am often told [by my uncle] to focus more on my bowling, but I also work on my batting because there are situations where quick runs are needed in the final overs. I try to be ready for any situation.”
Looking ahead, the right-arm pacer sees the PSL as a crucial pathway back to international cricket.
“PSL is a great platform for players to reach international cricket. My goal is to make a comeback to the Pakistan team through strong performances in this tournament,” he concluded.
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