"Both Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are inspiring cricketers who I look up to" : Abdullah Shafique

[MenInG]

With just a handful of First-class games to his name, Abdullah Shafique's inclusion in the Pakistan Test team has been impressive as he justified the faith in his potential with fifties in each innings on debut against Bangladesh. Recently selected for Lahore Qalandars for the upcoming Pakistan Super League, the Sialkot-born batter is regarded by many as a potential future star.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Shafique spoke about his experience so far of international cricket, the importance of advice from Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf, what he has learnt from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the impressive fighting spirit of Virat Kohli, why he is looking forward to playing in PSL 7 and how he intends to tackle the challenge of facing Australian bowlers when they visit Pakistan.

PakPassion.net: How have you found the experience of playing international cricket?

Abdullah Shafique: Overall, playing international cricket has been a huge learning experience for me. If I look back to the time leading up to November 2020 when I made my international debut against Zimbabwe, the whole experience of being part of the preparatory camp when I was selected as a probable to the point where I walked onto the field, to facing my first ball was simply amazing. Watching and learning from the seniors as to how to prepare for upcoming games and the type of practice they do to get ready was an eye opener for me. Being given advice by the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan where they showed me what I lacked and where I could improve in my batting was simply incredible as a player just starting his international career. I was also lucky to have worked with Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, both of whom not only gave me advice but like all others in the squad gave me confidence and expressed belief in my skills during a time where there were doubts being expressed about my suitability and it is that sort of support that helped me perform on my T20I debut in Rawalpindi. Of course, apart from my debut innings of 41* against Zimbabwe, my T20I career hasn’t started that well but the experience of being on tour with Pakistan in New Zealand was a great one.


PakPassion.net: What was it like facing some of the top Pakistan bowlers in the nets?

Abdullah Shafique: It was a huge challenge facing members of a bowling attack who are regarded as amongst the best in the world, but all of that has been part of my learning experience and having done that a few times I suppose it really helped me when I made by Test debut against Bangladesh recently. The nervousness I felt when I played before was gone and I felt much more at home and less pressured this time around.


PakPassion.net: It must have been great to share a dressing room with the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan?

Abdullah Shafique: It was simply amazing being in the squad with two of the world’s top players. For a start, there was so much to learn for me from just observing their day-to-day routine, how they go about preparing for practice or for the game ahead. The level of professionalism in the way they go about their preparations is something all youngsters can learn from. Everyone can practice in the nets but it’s how you practice is what differentiates the top players from the rest. With Babar and Rizwan, just normal practice is not enough, they spend extra time in the nets refining their technique. You will never see these two players sitting idly after their net sessions, instead you will see them doing additional practice with throw-downs. They will never ever miss their gym sessions. The attention to detail is not just limited to nets or practice but also to their dietary routine as well – all of which is something I have learnt a lot from.



PakPassion.net: How big was the jump from domestic to international cricket for you?

Abdullah Shafique: For me that difference between domestic and international cricket wasn’t that huge but the biggest challenge for me was the quality of bowling that one had to face. I suppose the level of practice and support you get at the international level has an impact as well which also makes a difference. In my view if you have the right mindset and you have worked on the basics of the game then there is a good chance that you will succeed when you get to the international level.


PakPassion.net: You must be looking forward to the upcoming Pakistan Super League?

Abdullah Shafique: The PSL is an important platform for all players which is almost the same as playing international cricket. I am obviously very pleased to have been selected for the Lahore Qalandars squad and am looking forward to this opportunity to prove myself in this tournament. Hopefully I can avail this opportunity and put in some good performances.


PakPassion.net: Whilst you are at the start of hopefully a long career, what would you currently mark as the strengths and weaknesses in your game?

Abdullah Shafique: One can never achieve perfection even after playing for many years but if I were to analyse my performances so far, I would say that the strength for me is in the way I have managed to understand my own game and to use it to my advantage but of course, I have a long way to go in that journey. There are a number of weaknesses that I have identified in my game, but the main point is to recognize those issues and to work to reduce mistakes and to improve. Hopefully I will be able to do this as I progress through my career.

PakPassion.net: A Test debut after a handful of First-class games is a rarity. How do you feel about that?

Abdullah Shafique: A few people have spoken about this so let me say something about this. I played Under-19 cricket for Sialkot region for almost 3 years and then could not play any First-class cricket for almost 2 years after that. This was because Sialkot region was part of Grade 2 cricket and to try and get into one of the departmental teams to play First-class cricket was a very tough ask. Even if you did get into a departmental side, you would probably be benched for one or two seasons. So, I wasn’t left with too many options but to wait and in the meanwhile, I did play Grade 2 cricket for Sialkot. Of course, one can only work with whatever hand one is dealt with but all I can say is that I utilized to the fullest whatever time I spent away from First-class cricket. I pushed myself as much as I could during that time to prepare myself for the journey ahead. I suppose whatever improvements I have shown are due to that. That was a tough time for me as I could see that others were playing domestic First-class cricket and I wasn’t, but I pushed myself to the extent I could. I do believe that everything happens for a reason, and I feel lucky that I got into the Pakistan side so early whilst many others have struggled for a while, but then each one of us has their own path and destiny and I am no different.


PakPassion.net: Do you feel that being on tours with the Pakistan team without getting a chance to play proved beneficial in the end?

Abdullah Shafique: It’s human nature that one can feel a little despondent in such situations where you are part of tours but are unable to find a place in the team. But I took that as a challenge for myself. I concentrated on maintaining a positive mindset during such times and made sure that I used these tours as learning experiences where I would go through my training to ensure that I was always ready to play for Pakistan if the opportunity had arisen. I would play in the practice matches and try and perform to the best of my ability for my own satisfaction and at no point did I give up or think that there was no point in practicing. Instead, I worked hard on these tours knowing fully well that I would see the benefits of my preparation at a later stage in my career.


PakPassion.net: How important were the inputs of Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf towards the development of your batting?

Abdullah Shafique: Initially I was helped by Misbah-ul-Haq and because he was a master batsman in his own time, he was able to provide some excellent advice. He looked at my game and for almost every ball I faced in the nets, he would be around to give me his input on how I could have played the ball better and so on. With Younis Khan, I concentrated on working on how to play spinners and I am very happy to say that I have put to good use the advice he gave to me. Mohammad Yousuf also provided me with excellent input during my time at the NHPC. The effort that these coaches put in me has really helped me and the credit goes to them for their efforts. I can say with my hand on my heart that my good performances in international cricket have a lot to do with the guidance I received from all three coaches.

PakPassion.net: Tell us about your Test debut against Bangladesh – how nervous were you?

Abdullah Shafique: Obviously this was my first Test match, and I knew the importance of the moment especially because this was a huge achievement for me. My father had played First-class cricket and my uncle had also played a lot of cricket and both had worked hard to help me improve my skills so the credit for bringing me to this stage also belonged to them. In a sense, I was happier for them than for myself because I knew they would be feeling proud and satisfied watching me play my first Test match. I knew I had the backing and prayers of my family behind me, and I put in my best effort and thankfully my Test debut went well as I hit fifties in both innings. I tried my best to play in the way an opener should play in Test cricket and was very pleased with my contribution to our victory in that game.


PakPassion.net: How did you find the atmosphere in the Pakistan dressing room, especially as a newcomer?

Abdullah Shafique: It has been an honour to be part of the team, and this has obviously opened my eyes to a new level of professionalism which I have witnessed in the way the players practice and prepare for the games. But what really impressed me was the way in which the senior players and coaches take it upon themselves to guide and support the junior players. The whole atmosphere is friendly and one that helps newer players like me get used to the rigors of international cricket with ease.


PakPassion.net: Your eyes must be focused on the challenge of hopefully facing some of the world’s best bowlers such as Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in the upcoming tour by Australia?

Abdullah Shafique: The Australian fast-bowling attack is very strong but hopefully home-advantage could favour us in the series. I will have to plan out some scenarios in my head to battle such world-class bowlers and adjust my practice for that and hopefully I will be able to give a good account of myself if I am selected for the series. I am currently following The Ashes on television and trying to keep an eye on how the Australian bowlers are going about their business, how they are attacking the English batters and what changes I need to do to tackle them, should the opportunity arise. Mentally speaking I feel that I am ready for this challenge and God Willing, will do my best.

PakPassion.net: Some people are already saying you could be the next Babar Azam. How do you feel about that?

Abdullah Shafique: First of all Babar Azam is our star player and an icon for all of us and to make any comparisons with him is far-fetched, to be honest. I am Abdullah Shafique and want to perform for Pakistan in the same way as Babar Azam continues to do. He is a source of inspiration for all of us and long may he continue to serve our country and inspire players like myself to do the same.


PakPassion.net: You have mentioned in the past that Virat Kohli is a player you admire. What is it about him that impresses you?

Abdullah Shafique: The fighting spirit that Virat Kohli has in him is something that I admire a lot. When you combine that with his superior technique and ability to score in any condition then he really is one of the best cricketers in the world today and its these qualities that make him a standout amongst all his contemporaries. Both Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are inspiring cricketers who I look up to.


PakPassion.net: Which format do you feel you are best suited to?

Abdullah Shafique: I simply love the game of cricket. I look to meet the ball with my bat in the best possible way and the format of the game is irrelevant to me. The most important thing is to be able to recognize the requirements of each format and to make sure you do your best in it.


PakPassion.net: Test and T20I appearances now under your belt, what other goals have you set for yourself in 2022?

Abdullah Shafique: I usually don’t look too far ahead and plan for whatever next series or tournament that comes up. So, to perform well in the upcoming PSL 7 is an important milestone for my career and one that I will be doing my utmost to achieve. Of course, the visit by Australia to Pakistan, God Willing, will be a huge event and I will do my best to serve my country in that series if I am given the chance.

[James]

Good interview! Sounds like he really tapped into the senior/ex players and utilised their support.

[Last Monetarist]

I am honestly not comfortable with elevating a batsman to Test cricket after a handful of first-class matches, but he sounds like a level-headed individual with a good understanding of what he needs to succeed at international cricket.

[transparent opacity]

Seems level headed; a trait that is uncommon as far as Pakistani cricketers are concerned.

Really like his batting style, technically he's the best among all the young cricketers.

People should not compare him with anyone, let the guy play his natural game.

[Bewal Express]

This lad has shown much promise and has started his career fairly well. My only worry is that this has happened with many of our youngsters but once the bowlers find a chink in their armour, they lose confidence very quickly and then slowly chug along without ever looking like they will become anything decent. Hard work will pay off for him but that requires sacrifices

[Saj]

Looks like someone who has a lot of ability.

Hopefully he has the hunger, desire and intelligence to succeed at this level.

Too often we've seen young Pakistani cricketers who have a lot of ability but their career goes pear-shaped, hopefully Shafique isn't one of them.

[pillionrider]

Well this guy has been the most hyped Pak batsman that no one has ever seen. Good luck to him.

One thing you can say at this point though is that he has good taste in batsmanship

[Markhor]

PakPassion.net: A Test debut after a handful of First-class games is a rarity. How do you feel about that?

Abdullah Shafique: A few people have spoken about this so let me say something about this. I played Under-19 cricket for Sialkot region for almost 3 years and then could not play any First-class cricket for almost 2 years after that. This was because Sialkot region was part of Grade 2 cricket and to try and get into one of the departmental teams to play First-class cricket was a very tough ask. Even if you did get into a departmental side, you would probably be benched for one or two seasons.

Cheerleaders for departmental cricket please read this.

Good riddance to departmental cricket. If it was still around, likes of Haider and Abdullah would still be rotting on the bench.

[Markhor]

My only concern about Abdullah is how he deals with bounce. He debuted in NZ for T20s and struggled to adjust to the bounce of the wickets.

[Omer2002]

My only concern about Abdullah is how he deals with bounce. He debuted in NZ for T20s and struggled to adjust to the bounce of the wickets.

Yes definately he struggled big time but white ball isnt him

[Saj]

Lovely balance and timer of the ball.

Watching him now in the PSL, it's clear to see that he is a classy batter.

My only concern is that his head doesn't get scrambled by playing all formats.

[Omer2002]

Lovely balance and timer of the ball.

Watching him now in the PSL, it's clear to see that he is a classy batter.

My only concern is that his head doesn't get scrambled by playing all formats.

Well said Saj he looks absolute class....even better balance than babar. I didnt want him to play 2020 cricket as will mess his game up but psl will be good for him i think. As long he just plays his game and not copy fakhar etc...Also Lahore have done v well to get him

[MenInG]

Looked great for his 24 - very classy batsman

[Omer2002]

Yes his power hits will come in time not easy just to slog..he read the ball just mistimed it i actually think he can make our one day team as well as tests

[pakistani pride]

Looked great for his 24 - very classy batsman

Was quite slow.

[MenInG]

8 runs today vs Karachi

[MenInG]

Looking good against Peshawar today

[MenInG]

Looked good for a big score - 41(31)

[Omer2002]

2020 is not his game but atleast he will learn power game just hope doesnt effect the longer format

[Saj]

If it were up to me he wouldn't play the 20 over format, but a man has to earn a living I guess.

[Wahid1234]

Needs to develop his power game was struggling to clear the inner circle ⭕️ he’s got a lot to learn and develop but I definitely see promise in this young chap

[ChTab]

He is not like Babar who hasn't developed his power game despite being the mainstay of the team in past 7 years. Also unlike Babar he does possess a bit of power game which will improve as he gets experience & I do believe Abdullah will surpass Babar as premium Pakistani better in next 5 years.

[Omer2002]

He is not like Babar who hasn't developed his power game despite being the mainstay of the team in past 7 years. Also unlike Babar he does possess a bit of power game which will improve as he gets experience & I do believe Abdullah will surpass Babar as premium Pakistani better in next 5 years.

I agree too ..power game will come with time

[shamaan]

I love watching Abdullah bat he should be playing for Pakistan in odis and tests.

[MenInG]

[MenInG]

Was expecting a big innings from him today but nevertheless, good progress in PSL

[MenInG]

Abdullah Shafique proving that there is always room for orthodox batters in the T20 format. His batting has a touch of class #PSL7 #LQvsIU pic.twitter.com/n0ZARfEe3X

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) February 5, 2022

[mmkextreme_1]

Great batting today, played some lovely shots.

One thing he does need to improve upon is his game vs spin bowling. Been dismissed by a spinner in the last 3 innings.

[ChTab]

Abdullah at the start of his career is already a batter power hitter than Babar who despite playing 7-8 years of international cricket hasn't developed any power hitting.

Abdullah will surpass Babar as Pakistan's premium batter in the next 3-5 years in Tests & T20's, maybe in ODI's as well.

[Artaxerxes]

Abdullah at the start of his career is already a batter power hitter than Babar who despite playing 7-8 years of international cricket hasn't developed any power hitting.

Abdullah will surpass Babar as Pakistan's premium batter in the next 3-5 years in Tests & T20's, maybe in ODI's as well.

Babar is good at find gaps.He score his runs by timing the ball and finding the gaps.This is fine as long as he doesn't use up too many ball.Once he is set he can accelerate.I was impressed by Abdullah when I watched him play last year.He is a very good batsman.He has all the shots and he is technically correct.He has a bright future.

[ChTab]

Babar is good at find gaps.He score his runs by timing the ball and finding the gaps.This is fine as long as he doesn't use up too many ball.Once he is set he can accelerate.I was impressed by Abdullah when I watched him play last year.He is a very good batsman.He has all the shots and he is technically correct.He has a bright future.

This timing the ball & finding the gaps doesn't work in T20's. Also he always end up playing a lot of deliveries & that means most of the times his team will be on the losing side. He hasn't learned power hitting in 7-8 years & probably he never will learn T20 isn't his game.

[Savak]

This guy is always pleasing on the eyes

[Artaxerxes]

This timing the ball & finding the gaps doesn't work in T20's. Also he always end up playing a lot of deliveries & that means most of the times his team will be on the losing side. He hasn't learned power hitting in 7-8 years & probably he never will learn T20 isn't his game.

Check is ranking in T20.He has done very well.The problem is KK batsmen are not scoring runs.He can’t win matches on his own.He is different player when he plays with Ruzwan.

[Finisher]

I could watch him bat all day, he is the most pleasing on the eye Pakistani batsman since MoYo

[shamaan]

This timing the ball & finding the gaps doesn't work in T20's. Also he always end up playing a lot of deliveries & that means most of the times his team will be on the losing side. He hasn't learned power hitting in 7-8 years & probably he never will learn T20 isn't his game.

Have you got stats of win/loss when he has played more than so many overs.

[shamaan]

Abdullah will be tested against Australians world class bowliny line up when they come to Pakistan.

[ChTab]

Check is ranking in T20.He has done very well.The problem is KK batsmen are not scoring runs.He can’t win matches on his own.He is different player when he plays with Ruzwan.

He's a selfish player who only plays for himself hence the rankings. He was the top run-scorer of the T20 WC 2021 as well but his runs didn't help Pakistan at all. In fact his 34 ball 39 was the main reason Pakistan lost the semi & hence didn't won the WC.

[MenInG]

Leave this thread for discussions on Abdullah Shafique please.

[Saj]

32 off 27 balls earlier today.

Even with Fakhar Zaman at the other end - that wasn't good enough.

[Savak]

32 off 27 balls earlier today.

Even with Fakhar Zaman at the other end - that wasn't good enough.

He was out scoring Fakhar when they batted together. Too bad he hasn't fully cashed in his starts in this tournament.

[MenInG]

32 off 27 balls earlier today.

Even with Fakhar Zaman at the other end - that wasn't good enough.

So frustrating - seems to lose concentration after good starts although bit unlucky with the run out today.

[shah_1]

He is such a good looking batsman that uses top and bottom hand to play both sides of the wicket.


Series against Australia is a litmus test for him.

[Omer2002]

So frustrating - seems to lose concentration after good starts although bit unlucky with the run out today.

How is it losing concentration?...its micky mouse 2020 he had to hit out which isnt hia game but he has done well

[shamaan]

Abdullah should be aiming for 1 century this psl.

[MenInG]

How is it losing concentration?...its micky mouse 2020 he had to hit out which isnt hia game but he has done well

Then he shouldn't be playing this cricket if he is not suited for it. What benefit is LQ getting out of it when he loses his wicket so quickly?

I agree with @Saj that he should be nowhere near PSL but now that he is here, he has to perform.

[PakEngFan]

Then he shouldn't be playing this cricket if he is not suited for it. What benefit is LQ getting out of it when he loses his wicket so quickly?

I agree with @Saj that he should be nowhere near PSL but now that he is here, he has to perform.

He’s is performing so what’s the problem?

[MenInG]

He’s is performing so what’s the problem?

Should be doing better than this given his talent and the fact that he gets good starts.

[ChTab]

Should be doing better than this given his talent and the fact that he gets good starts.

It's his 1st PSL & he is performing much better than our so-called greatest player of the last 20 years. He will come good with time & experience. He also needs T20 cricket to develop him as an all-format player.

[shamaan]

Should be doing better than this given his talent and the fact that he gets good starts.

I think your asking to much from him.

[MenInG]

Gone for 4 - but conditions are difficult in Lahore so could be forgiven.

[Omer2002]

it was a good ball ..he played a cracking shot before that but at the mo everyone struggling there.

[MenInG]

it was a good ball ..he played a cracking shot before that but at the mo everyone struggling there.

Not the 2 who are playing now.

Abdullah is not meant for this format. I am much happier him in Tests.

[Savak]

He is human, he can fail in a match. Lol at the judgements being thrown about here after a failure.

[Saj]

Not the best of tournaments so far:

180 runs in 8 innings at an average of 22.50 and a strike rate of 122.44

[James]

5 off 8 balls in the Qualifier, rather disappointing.

[Firebat]

5 off 8 balls in the Qualifier, rather disappointing.

Played all around a straight one.

[PakEngFan]

Played all around a straight one.

He just plants his foot a bit like Babar. Both not great against spin. Abdullah bat also comes at an angle which he needs to rectify.

[Omer2002]

Not panicking yet but he has been dismissed by spinners in his short international career...Babz had the same issue needs to be addressed

[PakEngFan]

Not panicking yet but he has been dismissed by spinners in his short international career...Babz had the same issue needs to be addressed

Yes, that’s correct he looks at ease against pace but against spin he been awful. In this tournament I believe he been dismissed 7 times out of 9 innings.

[Saj]

He'll be disappointed with his PSL7 numbers:

185 runs in 9 innings at a strike rate of 119.

[Cric1234]

Not panicking yet but he has been dismissed by spinners in his short international career...Babz had the same issue needs to be addressed

He’s not in Babars class as a batsman needs big improvement to make it in international cricket.

[Savak]

Needs to rack up big runs in domestic cricket

[Firebat]

Shafique is on fire against Islamabad in Eliminator 2! Brilliant counter-attacking cricket.

[Firebat]

Falls for a brilliant 52 (28).

[Bewal Express]

Played really well today

[Firebat]

Showed his mettle to take a match-winning boundary catch in the rain! Add to that a a brilliant run-out at point, a truly fantastic all-round performance from the young man.

[Omer2002]

Great catches too but i still say stay away from mickymouse 2020s

[PakEngFan]

Excellent innings and even better fielding. Long way to go.

[Saj]

Much better today in the field and with the bat.

Showed his range of shots and his ability at the top of the order.

[shamaan]

Well done Shafique good to see that he was taking on the bowling.

[ChTab]

Really amazing knock from Abdullah in a big game. Amazing shots & Thank God he has the ability to play at the higher strike rate.

His real test will start on 4th March hope he can perform against the best test bowling unit in the world.

[Arsal_AK]

With this knock, it should be clear that he has the shots and the gameplay for T20 cricket, in fact, his base is so much more attuned to the format than either Rizwan or Babar. This is not a slight on those two is it say they shouldn't be opening for us in internationals, they should. It is just to illustrate that Adbullah isn't really a similar type of player.

His spin playing ability is also really good which might not be obvious at the moment but give it a few months, it will be back. He is trying to do too much in my opinion rather than any huge technical shortcomings. The BD tests are a good example, immaculate control and that too on debut. And with time he will learn not to play super adventurous shots or judge them better, like his late cuts against leftarmers coming into him on a big turning wicket.

[Hassaan HS]

Great Knock By Abdullah Shafique Under Pressure

[MenInG]

Rush of blood?

[Yk313]

Does not generally play spin very well. Poor judgement of length on more than one occasion.

[Yk313]

Ideally he would open alongside Fakhar in ODIs. Might be best suited for his game. Tests are not bad either but possibly tougher on him.

Shan’s T20 heroics (through mostly cricketing shots) may also put him in contention for the ODI opening slot.

[MenInG]

Very impressed by his approach on Day 1... Should go on and get 50 now

[Firebat]

Very positive start from him on the 1st morning:

[Firebat]

Shafique holes out to Lyon just 7 balls before Lunch for a well-made 44.

[TheSultan]

Abdullah Shafique - had a test century for the taking. Silly shot.

Even Azhar Ali is scoring runs on this pitch