Faheem Ashraf, a modern-day all-rounder with fire in his eyes and thunder in his bat, is carving his name into the fabric of Pakistani cricket. From his debut as a tearaway fast bowler to his current avatar as a pinch-hitting hero and wicket-taking menace, Faheem’s journey is a testament to his unwavering passion and sheer cricketing talent.
Born: January 16, 1994, Phool Nagar, Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan
Early Life:
Born into a cricketing family, Faheem inherited the love for the game from his father, a renowned lawyer. Young Faheem honed his skills on the dusty grounds of Phool Nagar, his raw talent catching the eye of local coaches. With dedication and relentless practice, he rose through the ranks of junior cricket, eventually making his mark in the Faisalabad Under-19s.
Faheem Ashraf Cricket Career:
- 2013-2016: Domestic Dominance and First-Class Debut. Faheem showcased his all-round abilities in domestic cricket, bagging wickets with pace and peppering scoreboards with quick runs. He earned his first-class debut in 2013 for Faisalabad and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
- 2017-2018: International Debut and T20 Hat-Trick. Faheem’s explosive batting in a Champions Trophy warm-up game against Bangladesh propelled him onto the international stage. He made his ODI debut in 2017 and shortly after, etched his name in history by becoming the first Pakistani bowler to take a hat-trick in T20Is.
- 2019-Present: Consistency and Versatility. Despite facing setbacks like World Cup omissions, Faheem has persevered. He honed his batting, becoming a dependable lower-order batsman and a pinch-hitting specialist. His bowling too, gained accuracy and control, making him a valuable asset in all formats.
- Playing Style and Strengths: Faheem is a versatile cricketer who can adapt to any situation. As a bowler, his right-arm medium pace boasts swing and bounce. As a batsman, his left-handed stroke-making packs power and precision. His ability to clear boundaries and finish matches makes him a true game-changer.
Teams Played For:
- Domestic: Faisalabad, Central Punjab
- International: Pakistan (all formats)
- T20 Franchises: Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, Northern Warriors
Records and Achievements:
- First Pakistani bowler to take a T20I hat-trick
- Fastest century by a Pakistani batsman in List A cricket (60 balls)
- Most sixes in a single PSL innings (8)
Personal Life:
Faheem is known for his humble nature and strong work ethic. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, particularly his younger brother, Zain, who is also a promising cricketer.
Retirement (Not Applicable):
Faheem, still in his prime, is at the forefront of Pakistani cricket. With his unwavering dedication and ever-evolving skillset, he is poised to become an even greater force on the international stage for years to come.
Trivia/Fun Facts:
- Faheem earned the nickname “Rana Faheem Stokes” for his all-round prowess, reminiscent of English star Ben Stokes.
- He is a big fan of Pakistani singer Atif Aslam and enjoys listening to Sufi music.
- His favorite cricketing memory is taking his maiden T20I wicket against Sri Lanka in 2017.
Quotes:
- “I like to contribute with both bat and ball, and I take immense pride in wearing the Pakistan jersey.”
- “My dream is to win a World Cup for Pakistan, and I will keep working hard until I achieve it.”
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