LAHORE: Young middle-order batter Muhammad Irfan Khan has set his sights to learn from his idol veteran Shoaib Malik during his stint for Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) most followed franchise Karachi Kings in the upcoming eighth edition.

Irfan, a product of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) age-group programme, is aiming to perform well in his maiden PSL season while also looking forward to interacting with his idol Malik and learning valuable batting tips from him.

“Getting selected for the first time in the PSL is certainly a satisfying feeling. I want to perform well in this tournament as the PSL stage propels you to the limelight and you can boost your case for selection in the national team,” said Irfan.

“In Karachi Kings, I will have the opportunity of interacting with my cricketing idol Shoaib Malik, who has a lot of experience playing for Pakistan and in leagues around the globe. He is also a middle-order batter like me so I will definitely use the opportunity to learn from him,” he added.

The 20-year-old further termed former Peshawar Zalmi’s captain Darren Sammy’s heroics against Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2018 his favourite moment as the latter led his team to triumph after a tricky run chase despite the injury.

“Daren Sammy’s heroics for Peshawar Zalmi in the HBL PSL 2018 match against Quetta Gladiators was a memorable moment. He was unfit during the chase but still helped Peshawar win the match at a time when they required 16 off 7 balls,” Irfan concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that Irfan has represented Pakistan in two ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups in 2020 and 2022.

The right-handed batter accumulated 141 runs in nine innings in the National T20 2022-23 at a strike rate of 153.26 with a 31-ball 57 against Balochistan being the highlight of his campaign.

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