Starting in the most humble of places, Yasir Khan’s first steps into cricket began in the streets.
Pakistan cricketer Yasir Khan’s journey in cricket is a remarkable tale of persistence and passion. From his early days playing street cricket to making a major impact in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Yasir’s career showcases dedication and ambition. Reflecting on his experiences, Yasir shared how his journey has shaped his career and goals.
Starting in the most humble of places, Yasir Khan’s first steps into cricket began in the streets. “I started my career with street cricket, then moved to an academy, and eventually to a club,” he recounted. It was a journey filled with challenges, but his determination never wavered. “It took a lot of time to reach this point,” Yasir acknowledged, highlighting the effort and dedication that went into achieving his current status.
His debut in the PSL marked a significant milestone, beginning with Peshawar Zalmi. “In my first PSL season, I played with Peshawar Zalmi, and Hashim Bhai (Hashim Amla) was there,” Yasir recalled. The presence of cricketing legends like Amla added to the excitement, but his most treasured experience came with another team. “The best experience was with Multan Sultans,” he reflected, noting how that period stood out in his career.
Playing under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy was another highlight. Yasir found Rizwan’s leadership especially inspiring. “I enjoyed playing under Rizwan’s captaincy the most,” he shared. Rizwan’s guidance and support were crucial to Yasir’s performance during that time.
A major influence on Yasir’s career has been his idol, Virat Kohli. “My idol is Virat Kohli,” Yasir said with admiration. The turning point in his career came when he watched Kohli’s performance in 2011. “I was a fast bowler before, but when I saw Virat playing in 2011, I was inspired and became a batsman,” Yasir explained. Kohli’s impact was so strong that Yasir shifted his focus from bowling to batting, a change that has shaped his cricketing journey.
Despite facing setbacks, such as a shoulder injury that changed his career path, Yasir’s determination remains unwavering. “I was a fast bowler but had an injury in one shoulder, so I became a batter,” he noted. This injury forced him to adapt and excel in a new role. His ambition is clear: “I want to represent Pakistan in all three formats.” Yasir is aware of the challenges of selection, acknowledging that good performance doesn’t always secure a spot. “Even if you perform well in domestic cricket or the PSL, it doesn’t always guarantee a spot,” he admitted. He attributes some of these challenges to Allah’s will, emphasizing the need for patience and perseverance. “Every player knows that they are playing but not getting a place, but this also happens due to Allah’s will, so we should keep this in mind,” Yasir reflected.
To his supporters and aspiring cricketers, Yasir offered a message of hard work and belief. “Work hard. If Babar and Rizwan can do it, then we can too if we put in the effort and believe in ourselves. Only then will we achieve something,” he advises. He also highlights the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with Allah and serving one’s parents. “Build a relationship with Allah and serve your parents. I know that those who work hard are the ones who succeed,” Yasir added.
Looking ahead, Yasir’s ambitions go beyond his current achievements. If given the chance to captain, he hopes to emulate one of Pakistan’s legendary leaders. “If I were given the opportunity for captaincy, I would strive to be like Imran Khan,” he asserted. His respect for Imran Khan’s leadership reflects his own aspirations. Yasir also shares his vision for a dream team, including some of his cricketing heroes. “If I were to create a dream team, I would include Virat Kohli, Rizwan, and Ahmed Shehzad,” he concluded.
