By CricketCountry Staff
Irfan Pathan, who turned 27 on Thursday, said that he is eager to get back to playing international cricket and admitted there is a different pride in representing your country at the highest level.
Published: Oct 27, 2011, 07:17 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 27, 2011, 07:17 PM (IST)
Irfan Pathan said it’s too early to say if he will be fit for the upcoming India’s tour of Australia later this year © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Rajkot: Oct 27, 2011
Irfan Khan Pathan, who turned 27 on Thursday, said that he is eager to get back to playing international cricket and admitted there is a different pride in representing your country.
“Cricket is not about glamour. Rather, it’s about playing for one’s country at the international level which is important. Though you play with and against many foreign players in the IPL, the charm of representing your country in international cricket is quite different. The joy and pride associated with it are indescribable,” said Irfan.
The Baroda pacer revealed that he has understood the value of representing the nation at the highest level.
“It’s always a great honour to play for one’s country. I know what it means to play for India. Ours is a very big country and only a handful of players get to represent it. So it’s a rare honour for any cricketer who gets a chance to play for India. Obviously, I feel sad at not being part of the national side. But I was helpless against my injuries and the streak of bad luck. I’ve been trying hard to get back into the Indian team.
“There are so many talented players around. You don’t get the India cap so easily. You’ve to earn it the hard way. And competitions are always tough. All I know is, I’ve to work harder, keep performing and stake my claim. And that’s what I can do. If you noticed, I spent one hour in the nets immediately after we won the match today. I’m in my 20s, only, and there is still a lot of cricket in me,” Irfan said in an interview to Rediff.
The left-arm pacer who made his Test debut Down Under in 2007-08 said it’s too early to say if he will be fit for the upcoming India’s tour of Australia later this year.
“It’s too early to say anything about that. There is plenty of domestic and international cricket before Team India goes to Australia. Of course, I would love to get back into the Indian team and go to Australia.”
Irfan admitted that he is happy with his action and rhythm after making his come back in the Indian Premier League season four.
“I’ve never had any problems with that. I’ve bowled on different wickets, in different conditions, in different situations, in different forms of the game and to different batsmen. Of course, I always strive to do better.”
Currently playing for in the Zone Twenty20 tournament in Rajkot, Irfan said cricket is everything for him and is what is because of the game.
“It means a lot to me. In fact, it means everything to me. Cricket has given so much to me and my family. Whatever I’m today is because of cricket and thanks to Allah’s mercy. I was nobody before I began playing cricket and getting noticed. As you know, I come from a very humble background. I’ve not forgotten my past; I can’t!” he concluded.
