In our latest exclusive interview, Kashif Ali, Pakistan’s rising pace bowler and Kent County star, opens up about his remarkable journey from late-blooming domestic cricketer to Test debutant. Discover how this Rawalpindi speedster defied the odds, debuted at 27, and embraced the challenges of county cricket to refine his craft.
By Saj Sadiq (May 15th, 2025)
Key topics include:
Late but determined: Kashif acknowledged his delayed debut, stating, “Yes, I debuted pretty late”, reflecting on the tough grind through Pakistan’s domestic structure and the perseverance it demanded.
County cricket experience: Calling England’s county system “the best domestic cricket in the world,” he credited it for sharpening his skills, improving his discipline, and helping him grow both on and off the field.
Test debut emotions: Recalling his debut on a spin-friendly pitch, he said, “Goosebumps tell you that you are a Test player,” emphasizing the pride and emotional intensity of representing Pakistan at the highest level.
Injury reality: Kashif opened up about the physical toll of fast bowling, remarking, “Fast bowlers hide things. They carry injuries,” pointing to the constant battle to stay fit while delivering at high pace.
Inspirations: He cited legends Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, and James Anderson as key influences in shaping his bowling mindset and approach.
Future goals: Focused and ambitious, Kashif aims to play across all formats for Pakistan and maintain top-level fitness throughout his career.
Watch the full interview with Saj here:
