Striker's Aiden Blizzard on the KFC Big Bash [With Video] - PakPassion

Genghis

The new and improved KFC Big Bash has been a massive hit in Australia as well as having drawn interest worldwide. PakPassion was there to watch the Adelaide Striker's training session just before their crucial game against the Brisbane Heat on 3rd January. We were fortunate enough to speak to Striker's exciting opening batsmen Aiden Blizzard on the Australian T20 competition.

PakPassion.net: We’re talking to Aiden Blizzard today at PakPassion. Aiden is a very hard hitting left handed opening batsmen for the Adelaide Strikers and he’s also had some stints in the IPL with Mumbai Indians and Bangladesh as well. Thanks a lot Aiden for your time.

Aiden Blizzard: No problems.

PakPassion.net: First of all how has the experience been this time around with the new and improved Big Bash? I guess what is the main difference you’ve noticed in comparison to previous years?

Aiden Blizzard: I think the crowd involvement has been quite substantial this year compared to past years. With the new franchises, obviously they’ve really worked very hard to get the international players over. I think it’s been great for the fans to embrace the new colours of the new franchises rather than the state-based teams. Look, the sponsorship and the interest that it is generating in other countries overseas has been quite good for our game here in Australia as well.

PakPassion.net: You've obviously played in the IPL as well, what’s the standard of cricket like compared to what you’ve seen in the Big Bash?

Aiden Blizzard: Look, I think the Aussies have got it going pretty well at the moment. The standard is quite high compared to the IPL, but obviously we’re only allowed 2 international players whereas the IPL have 4. So the quality of international player in the IPL is quite high with the Indians and also the 4 international players there. Look, it’s hard to compare, but it’s completely different countries. I like playing in both places and I think we’re getting it right here as well.

PakPassion.net: You've also played in Bangladesh's domestic T20 competition. How was that experience and culture over there?

Aiden Blizzard: Yeah it was really good. I loved my stint there with the Rajshahi Rangers. We were lucky enough to win the competition there as well. I’d love to go back at some stage if the opportunity arises, but the way the scheduling is now it makes it quite difficult for even a domestic cricketer to get overseas rather than an international. Fingers crossed we can do that again at some stage.

PakPassion.net: Have you been following the progress of the Pakistani players in the Big Bash? How do you think they’re going?

Aiden Blizzard: Well Rana Naved has been bowling pretty well. I think bowling at the death is definitely a strength and he’s been doing it really well at the moment. It’s always good to see him with his hair slicked back nicely [smiles]. But, he’s going really well. We were on the receiving end of him last game, so hopefully we can turn it around next game.

PakPassion.net: What’s your opinion on the restrictions of 2 international players for the Big Bash, do you think it works well?

Aiden Blizzard: At the moment it does. The Australian people are really out there to help develop Australian cricket. You can see the Aussies are slowly rebuilding and we’re starting to get some good bowlers through. So at the moment I think two is the right amount. Moving forward, who knows what can really happen. We need to really generate as much money as we can before we start looking down that avenue. To get the players and make sure there is a window, which is also a bit of an issue. The Australian summer there is always a touring team and things like that. We’d love for some Indian guys to be playing here but obviously it is pretty hard with them touring here as well.

PakPassion.net: How do you think the Strikers are going so far this season?

Aiden Blizzard: We won our first game and lost our second two, so I think it’s a pretty crucial game we’ve got here in Brisbane tomorrow night. I think we’re going okay, we’re just starting to find the right mix of players and we’re gelling together. I think if we get the formula right, which we’ve been close or thereabouts, we’ll give this competition a big shake.

PakPassion.net: Other than the strikers, which other team have you seen that you rate at potential title winners this season?

Aiden Blizzard: Hobart Hurricanes are on top at the moment, 4 out of 4 at the moment. They’re going to be up there. The Melbourne Stars, if they get it right, I think they’ve got some really quality players. If Davy Warner happens to be dropped from the test team, I think Gayle and Warner for the Thunder will be quite significant too. But I think at the moment, keep your eyes on the Stars and the Hobart Hurricanes.

PakPassion.net: Moving onto your personal career, do you consider yourself a Twenty20 specialist?

Aiden Blizzard: It’s an interesting question. At the moment I’d like to think, No. I’m still trying to play 4 day cricket and one day cricket here. The opportunities that are arising around the world are hard to ignore. You’ve just got to keep playing as well as you can and hopefully domestic cricket is still an option for me here. I’m really hoping that is it and really driving forward for it. But I can’t turn my back on some of these T20 deals as well, so at the moment I am just happy playing cricket and to make the most of it while it lasts.

PakPassion.net: We’ve obviously got the T20 World Cup later this year in Sri Lanka. Do you think performances in the Big Bash can go a long way towards selection, or is it still too early?

Aiden Blizzard: It’s still too early for me personally. But I think the Big Bash is quite significant to going towards picking those teams. If you look at someone like Xavier Doherty who was non-preferred over Steve O’Keefe, I think he is probably pushing for selection at the moment if you see him captain the Hobart side and the way he’s playing, I think he’ll definitely be up in lights for the T20 World Cup and I’ve got no doubts that there is a few other guys that are putting their names up there too.

PakPassion.net: Any personal ambitions for yourself this year?

Aiden Blizzard: Being the new year, I like to keep it pretty open. But look I’d love to win a championship here with the Strikers and then go over and represent Mumbai with the Mumbai Indians. We’ll see what happens after that. I’d love to get a Shield and all those sorts of things back in Australia but obviously we’re not travelling too well with South Australia so might have to write that in for next season.

PakPassion.net: Just to finish off, some quick, short answers.

PakPassion.net: Best friend in the Strikers team?
Aiden Blizzard: Tough one … I will go with Callum Ferguson.

PakPassion.net: Favourite international ground?
Aiden Blizzard: I would have to go with the MCG.

PakPassion.net: Favourite six you've ever hit?
Aiden Blizzard: The one at the WACCA which went into the practice nets.

PakPassion.net: Hardest bowler you've faced?
Aiden Blizzard: Probably Alfonso Thomas.

PakPassion.net: Best batsmen you've played with or against?
Aiden Blizzard: Sachin Tendulkar for sure.

PakPassion.net: T20s, One dayers or Test cricket?
Aiden Blizzard: T20s at the moment.

PakPassion.net: Favourite Pakistani player?
Aiden Blizzard: I used to like Inzamam Ul Haq from the non-current. Otherwise Shoaib Malik, I love playing with him and also against him.

PakPassion.net: Well thanks again Aiden. Thanks a lot for your time and all the best for the season.

Aiden Blizzard: No worries. Cheers.