KheloPakistan.com’s Imran Asghar met up with Pakistan U-19 player and opening bowler Ehsan Adil. Ehsan is still 19 years of age and represented the youth team in South Africa recently. His performances were highly noticed and Ehsan won many plaudits. Hailing from Sheikhupura, Ehsan recently made his domestic cricket debut by representing Faislabad Wolves.
Ehsan can be described as a confident young man that aspires to reach the very top. He hopes to emulate the long list of great Pakistani Fast bowlers and becoming a household name. In the meantime he is now preparing for the Junior Asia Cup after making the World Cup probable list.
KheloPakistan.com (KP): Salaam Ehsan, Thank you for taking time out to talk to KheloPakistan.com. When did you start to get an interest in cricket?
Ehsan Adil (EA): W/Salaam, It’s my pleasure. I first took an interest in cricket at the age of four. Ever since then I always aspired to play cricket.
KP: How was your parental support? Traditionally Pakistani parents will push their child into education.
EA: My parents supported me fully. Though like any other parents they wanted me to study well, they also backed me to play cricket.
KP: Where did you start your cricket career?
EA: I started with normal gully cricket that is played all around Pakistan. Though I gave trials for the first time in 2007 in U-15 cricket.
KP: Who was your first professional team Ehsan?
EA: FSD region U-15 team was my first team. That was the point that I realised I could make a career from cricket as long as I put in the hard work.
KP: Moving on, What was your feeling when your first Pakistan U-19 call up came?
EA: It was a great feeling. Something that can’t be described. Nearly every child in Pakistan dreams of playing for their country and my dream was about to be fulfilled.
KP: You was apart of the squad that recently went to South Africa for a Tri-series. Your performances were highly thought off, how was this experience?
EA: This was my first tour and a unforgettable occasion for myself. The pitches in South Africa are very supporting for a Fast bowler and I really enjoyed bowling there. The team did very well and I was satisfied with myself too.
KP: As you said the pitches in South Africa are very different to Pakistan. How much will the experience of playing in South Africa help when it comes to the World Cup later this year?
EA: Oh yes, most definetly. As there is not a major difference in the two countries surfaces the experiences of the Tri-series will put us in good stead to do well. We as players used the tournament as a platform to learn to what will face us ahead.
KP: The Junior U-19 Asia Cup is very soon, which will be followed by the World Cup, in your opinion how confident are you of Pakistan's chances?
EA: I am confident, we have a good bunch of talented players. Some of us are for probably going on to play for the full side too. InshAllah we will win both and follow in the footsteps of the other Pakistani youth sides.
KP: Who coached you? How has the help been with your development as a bowler?
EA: I have had help from many coaches. Though in U-19 region, Tanveer bhai and on tour Sabih bhai helped me immensely.
KP: What is your average bowling speed? And what is your main weapon as a bowler, Ehsan?
EA: I bowl consistently at around the 135 mark and the out –swinging ball is my best delivery.
KP: Recently you represented Faislabad Wolves in 50 over games. You played 5 games, how was the domestic experience?
EA: It was my first time to play with senior cricketers. It was an wonderful experience and thought me a lot. The fact that as a youngster I was playing with less pressure made it enjoyable. Though now obviously I want to play at that level on a regular basis.
KP: You batted quite well in two of the games. Do you believe you van become an all-rounder in the future?
EA: Imran bhai Id like to correct you, I already believe I am an all-rounder. This was not the first time, I also hit three sixes to win Pakistan a match too. I play full concentration to both aspects of my game.
KP: My apology Ehsan. Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
EA: I really want to see myself being a World star in that space of time. I believe in my ability and am sure I can InshAllah go on to become a big player.
KP: I sincerely like the self-confidence Ehsan. Finally is there a message that you would like to pass on to your nation?
EA: Yes, on a personal note for them to pray for me and my U-19 team-mates. But most importantly I request the whole nation to support the team, regardless if we win or lose. All players try very hard and sometimes it is not enough but a cricketer always looks to the support of the nation as a inspiration.
KP: Thank you Ehsan for your time. It was a pleasure to speak to you and InshAllah pray that you achieve all your dreams.
*It is to be noted that the interview was conducted in Urdu and has been converted into English by the author. Imran can be followed on Twitter*
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