Islamabad ( The COW News Digital) Former Pakistan Red-Ball head coach Jason Gillespie has lauded young Pakistani all-rounder Irfan Khan Niazi as a rising star with immense potential. Gillespie, the former Australian cricketer, praised the 22-year-old player on social media for his outstanding performance and promising talent.
In his statement, Gillespie described Irfan Khan as a “quality and exceptional cricketer” capable of building a long and successful international career with Pakistan. He also recommended that global T20 franchise teams consider including the young all-rounder in their squads, highlighting his versatility and skill set suitable for the fast-paced format.
Irfan Khan’s recent performances in domestic cricket and under-23 tournaments have attracted significant attention, and Gillespie’s endorsement has further fueled excitement about his future prospects. The young cricketer, known for his dynamic batting and consistent bowling, has been earmarked as one of Pakistan’s potential stars for the upcoming international seasons.
Previously, Gillespie had openly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not including Irfan Khan in the Champions Trophy squad, describing it as a missed opportunity for Pakistan to leverage a highly talented player. His recent remarks continue to underline the coach’s belief in nurturing young talent and providing them opportunities on bigger platforms.
Cricket analysts note that such endorsements from experienced international coaches like Gillespie can significantly influence the trajectory of a young player’s career, opening doors to both national team selection and lucrative franchise contracts worldwide. With T20 leagues increasingly scouting talent globally, Irfan Khan’s all-round capabilities position him as an attractive prospect for teams seeking versatile players.
Fans and cricket enthusiasts have welcomed Gillespie’s statement, expressing hope that Irfan Khan will soon make his mark in international cricket. The acknowledgment from a coach of Gillespie’s stature is seen as a major confidence boost for the young Pakistani star.
Irfan Khan, who has been steadily climbing the ranks in domestic cricket, now faces expectations to perform consistently and seize the opportunities that may come his way, both in Pakistan’s national team and in franchise cricket globally.