[VIDEOS] "You have to offer something special to help your team" : Mubasir Khan

[MenInG]

All-rounder Mubasir Khan announced his arrival in domestic cricket with an outstanding innings of 164 on his debut First-class game for Northern in 2020 and has continued to impress after being named the Player of the Tournament in the 2021 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy after scoring 458 runs and taking 30 wickets and was selected by Islamabad United in the Emerging Category for PSL 7.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Mubasir spoke about what sparked his interest in cricket, how Mohammad Wasim's words of encouragement have helped him become a better cricketer, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf as his role models and his aspirations for the future.

PakPassion.net: What made you take-up cricket as a career?

Mubasir Khan: My interest in cricket was fuelled by the presence of my elder brother, Imran Khan, who has played for Rawalpindi U16 and U19s and has been part of the Pakistan Air Force side as well. I used to watch him play for a local cricket club and got interested in the game due to that. My family was pretty much against me taking up cricket as a career, but my father who himself was a hockey player, always encouraged me to do what I liked most as long as I put my heart and soul in it. He told me not to worry about anything and to concentrate on the game but to do my best to excel in it, so I was lucky to have his support in my early years as a cricketer.


PakPassion.net: Why did you not continue your studies alongside your cricket career?

Mubasir Khan: I simply did not have time to pursue education as I was busy with cricket and as a result gave up studies in year 8. But that is something I regret and will do my best to resume my education as and when time allows. I feel that education is an important part of any person’s life and for us cricketers knowing English is essential as it helps us communicate with foreign coaches which is important for our development.


PakPassion.net: Take us through your initial years in cricket and how you got to play for Northern.

Mubasir Khan: I joined the Bajwa cricket academy in Rawalpindi in 2016 where under the coaching of Asif Bajwa, the same coach who has produced some top cricketers such as Mohammad Amir, I improved my game considerably. Good performances in the Pepsi Future XI tournament in 2017 also gave me a chance to be noticed for the regional Under-19 level and I was picked up for Rawalpindi Under-19s in 2018 and continued to perform well, which lead to my being picked for the Northern Under-19s for the 2019/2020 and then the 2020/21 season where I picked 26 wickets in 11 matches in 50-over matches and 26 wickets in 6 matches in the 3-Day format.

PakPassion.net: Current Pakistan Chief Selector, Mohammad Wasim, has spoken highly of you. How was the experience of playing under his coaching at Northern?

Mubasir Khan: Mohammad Wasim was our Head Coach when I was promoted to Northern’s First XI in 2020. It was on debut for the First XI against Sindh in December 2020 that I hit 164 in the second innings which remains my highest score in First-class cricket. Mohammad Wasim as our Head Coach had been outstanding and had great words of advice for me. He gave me a lot of encouragement and instilled confidence in me when I was walking out to bat in my debut First-class game and told me not to feel tense about anything. He told me that if I did well, I could take the credit for it but if things didn’t go well, he would stand up and take responsibility for that as it was his job to guide all of us. This statement from our Head Coach really gave me a lot of confidence and I feel that Mohammad Wasim’s words had a lot to do with my outstanding performance in that game. Whilst I only played 3 matches in my debut First-class season, I was given the opportunity to shine in the whole of the 2021/22 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy which proved to be one that I will remember for a long time as I was named Player of the Tournament


PakPassion.net: What was it like to be selected as part of the Emerging Player category for Islamabad United?

Mubasir Khan: 2021 was a great year for me especially since I had won the Player of the Tournament award of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and it only got better when I found out that I had been chosen to represent Islamabad United in PSL 7 in the Emerging Player category. Of course, I did not know I would be chosen by Islamabad but in the back of my mind, I knew that I had a good chance due to my recent performances. But I can tell you that the tension was unbearable that day and I decided to go for a swim when the draft was taking place. When I did find out about my selection, I called up my father who started to cry with happiness. In fact, my whole family joined my father in congratulating me, as to be part of Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament was a great achievement for me.


PakPassion.net: How was the experience of playing in PSL 7?

Mubasir Khan: This was my first experience of playing a tournament of such importance. I had only watched previous editions of the PSL on television so had no idea of what it would be like to step onto the field where the noise of the crowd would be so loud and there would be so much pressure on players. T20 is a format where you have such little time to adjust and there is pressure on you to perform from the first ball. This was a totally different experience to my participation in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy where there is time to settle in for a player. But regardless of the format, nothing had prepared me for the conditions that I encountered during PSL, and I can only imagine that international cricket has similar pressures to what I experienced in that tournament.

PakPassion.net: What did you learn from playing in the PSL?

Mubasir Khan: To share a dressing room with some of the top players in Pakistan such as Shadab Khan and Asif Ali was a huge gain for me, and I learnt a lot from them. One piece of information I picked up was something that Eoin Morgan puts into practice when he bats which is about pacing your innings as a middle order batter. No wonder he is one of the best batters in the shorter formats and his style of play was something that our captain Shadab Khan puts into practice in his batting as well and he was the one who told me about that, and I intend to use it for my benefit too.


PakPassion.net: How was it like playing under the captaincy of Shadab Khan during the PSL?

Mubasir Khan: I, like all my team-mates, thoroughly enjoyed playing under Shadab. One thing about him which I really liked was the fact that he never says anything negative even when things are not going our way and that is a great trait for a captain. What this means is that even if things are going against you, he will continue to fight and never give up and this is also something he expects from all of us. He told us that our body language should always be positive, regardless of how tough a situation we are facing, and we should strive to do our best and leave the rest to The Almighty. Shadab will always fight to the end – that’s his nature and that is exactly what he asked us to do in the PSL as well.


PakPassion.net: What was the most memorable aspect of PSL 7 for you?

Mubasir Khan: I feel that taking part in a top-quality tournament was amazing in itself, especially as the eyes of the world are on you during these games. But the performance which gave me a lot of confidence was the one against Lahore Qalandars where I took 1/19 and claimed the wicket of the big-hitting Kamran Ghulam.


PakPassion.net: Do you consider yourself a bowling or a batting all-rounder?

Mubasir Khan: I feel that based on my game I am more of a batting all-rounder. What I have learnt from my career so far is that there is no free spot in any line-up, so you have to offer something special to help your team. In my case, if I am not able to score runs, I have the ability to take wickets with the ball. And, if I fail to score big whilst batting, I make sure I make a mark with my bowling. And this is not something I have started to do in recent times as I have always been interested in batting and bowling. In fact, when practicing, I will put in equal amount of time whilst batting as I do in my bowling so that when the time comes, I can contribute with both skills.

PakPassion.net: Which players do you consider your role models?

Mubasir Khan: As an all-rounder and a middle-order batter, I have great respect for Shoaib Malik. But when we talk about batters alone, Mohammad Yousuf is my absolute favourite. In Shoaib Malik I see a player who puts a huge premium on his wicket and the bowler has to bowl something special to dislodge him from the crease. He has the ability to keep on playing his natural game even when the odds are stacked against him as he is mentally very strong. I saw him recently in PSL where he was representing Peshawar and what really impresses me is how with the minimum of effort, he puts on these 30-35 type scores in no time at all. As for Mohammad Yousuf, we all know what an elegant and strong batter he was and, in my view, there are not many others in Pakistan’s history who can match him in terms of skills. When I scored well during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Mohammad Yousuf made a comment saying my talent was special and that made me extremely proud, especially coming from a personality like his. I had the honour of meeting him on a few occasions at the NHPC which was an amazing experience in itself.


PakPassion.net: Is there one format you prefer or are you comfortable playing all forms of the game?

Mubasir Khan: I am comfortable playing all formats of the game as I feel that if you have the skills, you can adjust to red and white-ball cricket with ease. You can see the examples of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam who have shown the world that if you have the skills, nothing is impossible. To me this is all about the mental side of the game and if you can get that right, you can do equally well in each form of the game.


PakPassion.net: You must now be looking ahead towards a place in the Pakistan side?

Mubasir Khan: I am taking things one step at a time. Cricket is all about learning and the learning does not stop for me and I feel that I have a lot to learn. In that regard, I am looking to play league cricket in England later this year as I feel that it’s important for me to experience playing conditions other than the ones I am used to in Pakistan. Hopefully, this will prove to be a useful experience and one that I can use to better myself as a player.

[MenInG]

Mubasir Khan half-century | NOR v SP | Match 29 | Pakistan Cup 2021-22 | PCB | MA2T

Northern Batter Mubasir Khan Century Highlights | Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 | #KPvNOR | PCB

[ElRaja]

has gone under the radar a bit given as an off spinning lower order bat hes not the most exciting kinda cricketer, but that might just play in his favour given hes already got 14 first class games under his belt and hes not even 20.

needs to level up his batting next season tho, 32 on fairly batting friendly pitches last season wasnt great. hopefully 2 more seasons and his potential will be more obvious after around 30 first class games.

[moghul]

I don;t like when young crickets leave school at very early stage , there is no reason a cricketer at this level cannot complete at least matric level education . We are producing way too many school drop outs cricketer.

[BunnyRabbit]

If he can afford education, he should resume it. Education changes a person in more than one ways that too for the better. He talks like a juvenile(which he is) regarding education being necessary for learning English.
He needs a good counselor who can help him set goals in life not just as a cricketer. Domestic cricket in Pakistan is not as lengthy as in other countries like England, he should find enough time to atleast do bachelors in some subject.

Regarding his cricket, I think he looked under intense pressure in PSL and couldn't handle it well. But that's pretty standard for a teenager. Will hopefully come good with time as he has the ingredients to become a quality cricketer.

This guy Asim Bajwa has done quite a lot for Pakistan cricket in Rawalpindi district and a lot of players he has taken under his wings have come from villages. Plus I also heard he would take care of their education too. Would be good for PCB to look into the guy and give him some position where he can help Pakistan cricket more.

[Saj]

When I've watched him he's impressed me.

Looks like a cricketer who understands his strengths and weaknesses and has a lot of ability.

Batting places up for grabs in Pakistan's middle-order in the white ball formats, so who knows, we may see him get a chance at some point.

[Saj]

He has signed for Seaham Park Cricket Club in the North East Premier League for this season.

[anonymous_guy]

He has signed for Seaham Park Cricket Club in the North East Premier League for this season.

Has Abdullah shafiq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakil and Khusdil Shah signed with any English club?

[Saj]

Has Abdullah shafiq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakil and Khusdil Shah signed with any English club?

I doubt all of them especially the guys being picked in international cricket would get NOCs from PCB.

[Junaids]

The guy was the best player in domestic First Class cricket last season, as a teenager.

There is every reason to think that he can deliver the Test runs that a declining Fawad Alam can, but with scope for improvement. He would probably not be a major bowling downgrade on Sajid Khan either.

We have all now seen that Pakistan does not have specialist spinners worthy of a place in the team, but Mubasir and Shadab could probably do a job as spinning all-rounders.

I’d be tempted to go for a Test team of:

1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Imam-ul-Haq
3. Mohammad Rizwan
4. Babar Azam
5. Mubasir Khan
6. Rohail Nazir (wk)
7. Shadab Khan
8. Faheem Ashraf
9. Sameen Gul
10. Naseem Shah
11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

[Major]

The guy was the best player in domestic First Class cricket last season, as a teenager.

There is every reason to think that he can deliver the Test runs that a declining Fawad Alam can, but with scope for improvement. He would probably not be a major bowling downgrade on Sajid Khan either.

We have all now seen that Pakistan does not have specialist spinners worthy of a place in the team, but Mubasir and Shadab could probably do a job as spinning all-rounders.

I’d be tempted to go for a Test team of:

1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Imam-ul-Haq
3. Mohammad Rizwan
4. Babar Azam
5. Mubasir Khan
6. Rohail Nazir (wk)
7. Shadab Khan
8. Faheem Ashraf
9. Sameen Gul
10. Naseem Shah
11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Junaid i am surprised with your opinions sometimes.

Its as if you dont watch cricket just see stats on cricinfo and come up with these teams.

Mubashir played in the pls, the kid was terrible. He was always under consisstent pressure. His ball wasnt landing on the areas he wanted, he misfielded the most, he dropped alot of catches.

He was not even running properly in the ground. Hes a terrible fielder.

When he cane out to bat he went no where.

He reminded me of a young Kamran Ghulam who did well in first class but was nothing in the psl. Kamran also made his psl debut with islamabad united, and while kamran was a gun fielder, as a batsmen he was under low confidence and was same as mubashir.

Kamran went back to domestic worked hard and now look at him.

Mubashir is no where near ready for international cricket. He needs to play more first class improve his fieldings and learn to deal with the jitters.

[Junaids]

Junaid i am surprised with your opinions sometimes.

Its as if you dont watch cricket just see stats on cricinfo and come up with these teams.

Mubashir played in the pls, the kid was terrible. He was always under consisstent pressure. His ball wasnt landing on the areas he wanted, he misfielded the most, he dropped alot of catches.

He was not even running properly in the ground. Hes a terrible fielder.

When he cane out to bat he went no where.

He reminded me of a young Kamran Ghulam who did well in first class but was nothing in the psl. Kamran also made his psl debut with islamabad united, and while kamran was a gun fielder, as a batsmen he was under low confidence and was same as mubashir.

Kamran went back to domestic worked hard and now look at him.

Mubashir is no where near ready for international cricket. He needs to play more first class improve his fieldings and learn to deal with the jitters.

With respect, I don’t judge Test potential by T20 performances.

My main reservation was his lack of runs in the QEA Final, to be honest.

[Bewal Express]

Didnt look the player this year that he looked last year, maybe 2nd season blues. Although he has a nice action, He needs to concentrate on his batting because the bowling isnt going to take him anywhere.

[MenInG]

Not included in PCB's 60 player list for NHPC camp.

[MenInG]

Currently part of the training camp for Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka - took 2/38 in 2-day practice game.

[The Googly]

With respect, I don’t judge Test potential by T20 performances.

My main reservation was his lack of runs in the QEA Final, to be honest.

Amazed you put him in the test team. Huraira is far superior batsman for number 5.

[shamaan]

Amazed you put him in the test team. Huraira is far superior batsman for number 5.

Mubasir will proberly end up playing as all rounder at 6/7 when he does play in the test team.

[Arsal_AK]

Amazed you put him in the test team. Huraira is far superior batsman for number 5.

Huraira is an opener and should be opening. If he scores massively again in this years QeA, that second opened slot with Abdullah should be his. Maybe one of them (Huraira or Abdullah) can drop to three but that's about it. They shouldn't be batting any lower.

[Titan24]

Good start to his FC career overall despite the 2nd season being a bit dry in terms of runs. Averages 38 with the bat with 2 100s in 14 matches and 25 with the ball with 34 wickets including 2 fifers.

However, needs to improve in LOIs especially List A cricket in batting as well as bowling.

Only decent offie around who is regularly playing and performing after Sajid especially when it comes to red ball cricket.

[BunnyRabbit]

I hope he is able to become a proper allrounder atleast for longer formats.

[shamaan]

Good potential for the longer format but needs to develop in Lols format.

[MenInG]

QeA22:

All-rounder Mubasir Khan, player of the tournament of the last season, was unbeaten on 74 off 98 (10 fours) for Northern vs Central Punjab

[Bewal Express]

His batting hasn't kicked on like i had hoped. Still looks solid but doesn't have the shots against the shorter ball. What he does have is an amazing off spinning action which by the looks of it, he doesn't realise. It's a proper action and it needs more belief from him.

[shamaan]

His batting hasn't kicked on like i had hoped. Still looks solid but doesn't have the shots against the shorter ball. What he does have is an amazing off spinning action which by the looks of it, he doesn't realise. It's a proper action and it needs more belief from him.

He is much better in the longer format than the shorter and ststs show that.

[shamaan]

Looking forward to his performance with both bat and has got off to a good start.

[Bewal Express]

He is much better in the longer format than the shorter and ststs show that.

But he will have to play the short ball at the higher levels and he looked lost against the balls higher than waste high. Not a good sign and judging by how our players rarely work on their weaknesses, it will remain

[shamaan]

But he will have to play the short ball at the higher levels and he looked lost against the balls higher than waste high. Not a good sign and judging by how our players rarely work on their weaknesses, it will remain

But thats we're the pitches need to be better to help improve thier technique.

[MenInG]

Mubasir 170* at end of Day 2 for Northern

[Shabraz]

A great prospect for longer version of the game. At present Ready for Tests to replace Fawad Alam at no 5 or 6. For ODis he is prospect to nurtured.

[Bewal Express]

Mubasir 170* at end of Day 2 for Northern

Great to see him get big runs. I hope he kicks on to become a proper player for PK

[MenInG]

Mubasir 170* at end of Day 2 for Northern

Highlights

[Xoib]

His stroke play is most pleasing on the eye hopefully he kicks on he will be an ideal #7 in Test cricket beating just behind Rizwan and being a 5th bowler

[Amirforpresident]

The quality of that video makes it look like a match from the 80s

[ElRaja]

he looks like a proper middle order batsman, great to see a young batsman sweeping too. if his off spin can develop he can be a very useful number 6 and fifth bowler.

[shamaan]

He has potential to bat at 7 and be the 5th bowling option in tests.

[ElRaja]

another unbeated 50 for the lad, would be great if he can convert again, yes the pitches are flat but given he has bowled well too i think he deserves a crack at six if he keeps performing.

also completed 1000 runs and 50 wickets in fc cricket i think, not bad after 18 games.

[ElRaja]

came in at 66/4 and scored another well-paced fifty. both his bowling and batting have been consistent this season, batting average of 70, bowling average of 30 is good given nature of pitches. shame none of his efforts have been televised.

[Xoib]

Should be our #7 for England series shame Nawaz will get the spot.

[Major]

Should be our #7 for England series shame Nawaz will get the spot.

nope.

He is terrible player, 0 fielding, and no confidence at all. In the PSL he was a baggage for Islamabad.

A better player is Abrar, taking wickets and oozing confidence.

[Suleiman]

The quality of that video makes it look like a match from the 80s

Pakistani domestic cricket on video is the closest thing we have to a time machine. Everything is from the 80s including our approach to limited overs.

[Xoib]

nope.

He is terrible player, 0 fielding, and no confidence at all. In the PSL he was a baggage for Islamabad.

A better player is Abrar, taking wickets and oozing confidence.

If PSL was the barometer for success then Asif Ali and Khusdil would be world beaters.

Anyways he has performed in 4 day cricket and hence should be picked for tests

[Major]

If PSL was the barometer for success then Asif Ali and Khusdil would be world beaters.

Anyways he has performed in 4 day cricket and hence should be picked for tests

PSL shows you matches on TV. Whether you play first class or T20, your fitness and fielding stays the same.

His fielding is a complete joke and wont be making the team anytime soon.

[MenInG]

Third first-class five-fer for Mubasir Khan, in Qea22

[MenInG]

Third first-class five-fer for Mubasir Khan, in Qea22

Highlights

[MenInG]

The 20-year-old Mubasir Khan for his all-round performance (522 runs and 31 wickets) was named player of the tournament for QeA22

[moghul]

The 20-year-old Mubasir Khan for his all-round performance (522 runs and 31 wickets) was named player of the tournament for QeA22

That's a big deal, should be a contender for spot in ODI team , Qasim Akram is another one to be keep eye on.

[MenInG]

Mubasir getting his award

[shamaan]

That's a big deal, should be a contender for spot in ODI team , Qasim Akram is another one to be keep eye on.

Qasim Akram has more of a power game Mubasir should have been in the test squad.

[MenInG]

A 60-ball 100 from Mubasir Khan #NORvCP

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

This lad is talented and consistent to boot. Likely that he’ll probably loose his first team place to Billawal Bhatti for PIA (Northern’s replacement department team) in 2023

[MenInG]

So just one over from Mubasir vs PZ in Game 12 and he did this. Why did he not bowl more? Spell of 1/5 in 1 over. The mind boggles.

[Nikhil_cric]

Very impressive talent. For once, whatever hype has been generated is truly justified.

[shamaan]

Very impressive talent. For once, whatever hype has been generated is truly justified.

He's more of a test/odi prospect he has outstanding first class stats.

[Bewal Express]

He has the best action amongst the PK finger spinners.

[Xoib]

Very impressive talent. For once, whatever hype has been generated is truly justified.

I genuinely believe he is the best batting talent in the country apart from Babar/Saud

[MenInG]

Take a bow Mubasir Khan - what a brilliant catch #PSL8 #IUvQG pic.twitter.com/tIK6TFDI9w

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) March 5, 2023

[MenInG]

Mubasir almost took another stunner at the end of the Quetta innings

[shamaan]

Stunning effort by mubasir

[Saj]

The odd over here and there at PSL8 probably isn't doing his confidence any good but T20s with these small ground dimensions is a tough gig.

I hope he gets a match where he can bowl 3 or 4 good overs.

[Xoib]

It’s not his format and it’s ok no one is good for all 3 formats

[JAV12341]

I have made my decision on this lad nothing but a meak, timid player who will surrender every chance he gets. To put it in simple words a nothing player.

Reminds me abit of Nawaz a bits and pieces cricketer but the right arm version both equally as bad as each other

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

I have made my decision on this lad nothing but a meak, timid player who will surrender every chance he gets. To put it in simple words a nothing player.

Reminds me abit of Nawaz a bits and pieces cricketer but the right arm version both equally as bad as each other

He’s not in the right format. He’s a test player playing t20. Better to judge him in tests.

[Rana]

He’s not in the right format. He’s a test player playing t20. Better to judge him in tests.

Couldn’t read Rashid at all

[Rana]

Couldn’t read Rashid at all

Also, didn’t look comfortable against Ihsanullah’s pace

Not looking great atm even for a Test prospect

[shamaan]

Also, didn’t look comfortable against Ihsanullah’s pace

Not looking great atm even for a Test prospect

He's a number 7 he will play as a all rounder not as a batter.

[MenInG]

Mubasir Khan impressed with the bat vs Zimbabwe today with 49 (68) Mubasir (5x4s)- but his side lost the game

1st One-Day - Zimbabwe Select v Pakistan Shaheens at Harare Sports Club, Harare

Zimbabwe Select won by 24 runs.

Zimbabwe Select: 234-10 (45.3 ov)
Pakistan Shaheens: 210-10 (47 ov)

[MenInG]

Decent effort in a losing cause by Mubasir today

==

Mubasir Khan scored 44 off 60 in the lower order to stitch 73 runs with captain Imran Butt, who top-scored with 45 off 81.

[MenInG]

Fighting 100 in the final OD - doing what he can in a very tough run-chase.

[shamaan]

A stunning 100 from a talented all rounder.Should be in the test squad at least.

[shamaan]

Also, didn’t look comfortable against Ihsanullah’s pace

Not looking great atm even for a Test prospect

Asif Ali would dream to play an Innings like Mubasir has.

[Muhammad Saad]

He is not talented enough sadly to face high quality pace bowling and his bowling is not good enough even against minnow batters , he is clearly a Work in progress , let’s see whether he develops in two years time or not.