Uncapped middle-order batter Irfan Khan Niazi has earned his maiden international call-up in Pakistan’s five-match T20I home series against New Zealand – here’s all you need to know about the right-hander.
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Born in the Mianwali district of Punjab, Pakistan, Irfan showcased glimpses of his talent with an unbeaten 31-ball 57, albeit in a losing cause, while playing for Central Punjab against Baluchistan in the 2022-23 National T20 Cup.
From 34 T20 matches, Irfan has 499 runs at 26.26 while striking at 135.96. He has also played 13 first-class matches (800 runs at 57.14) and as many List A matches (220 runs at 20).
He had an impressive PSL 2024 while plying his trade for Karachi Kings. With 171 runs at an average of 42.75 and a strike rate of 140.16, Irfan was adjudged the Emerging Player of the tournament. He also took eight catches in nine matches in addition to his excellent ground fielding to win the Best Fielder award.
His most notable performance of the season came against Lahore Qalandars in a last-ball thriller. Coming in at 113-4 after 14.2 overs while chasing 177, the hard-hitter scored a brisk 35 off 16 with six boundaries to star in Karachi’s three-wicket win.
Following his finishing exploits in the latest season of PSL, Irfan has been awarded with his maiden international berth in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting on April 18. The series could be an audition for the promising 21-year-old batter to stake a claim in Pakistan’s squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in June.
Irfan expressed his gratitude after his selection: “I am deeply honoured to have been selected in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Breaking into such a formidable team like Pakistan is a testament to the dedication and effort I have put into my game.
“Now, my focus is on seizing this opportunity and solidifying my position within the team. “I am fully committed to continuing to work diligently and proving myself worthy of the trust placed in me by the captain and selectors,” he added.
“I am deeply honoured to have been selected in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.”
Irfan has also represented Pakistan in the 2020 and 2022 Under-19 World Cups.
