Mohammad Irfan: “Pakistan is my first priority and I will keep on playing for my country”

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Left-arm seamer Mohammad Irfan has revealed that he turned down an offer to play basketball in the United States as he is determined to keep representing Pakistan in international cricket.

Irfan admitted that even though he used to play basketball for the army and still enjoys the sport, his heart lies with cricket.

“Pakistan is my first priority and I will keep on playing for my country,” he told The News. “They told me that they want a tall player; that is why they had contacted me.”

Irfan has not played for Pakistan since September 2016 as he was recently banned for a year for his involvement in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) spot-fixing scandal. However, he only served six months of that ban as he helped the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) with their investigation.

With the 2018 edition of the PSL fast approaching, the 35-year-old hopes to use the tournament to regain his spot in the national team. The Gaggo Mandi native added that he also plans to work on his fitness in the United States after the competition.

“I am performing with my full capacity and I hope that soon I will make a comeback,” Irfan, who will play for the Multan Sultans, said. “I am really excited. I am now part of my home team, Multan. It’s like dream come true.”