Tanvir Ahmed's brillant performance in 2009-2010 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy earned him his maiden call in Pakistan's national squad against England in Test series where he was left matchless. However, selectors have once again selected 31 right arm fast bowler to show his potential and fulfill his dream to play for Pakistan. 

PakPassion presents an exclusive interview where Tanvir Ahmed talks about his experience in England and future. 
 

PakPassion.Net: Let’s begin by chatting about you and your cricketing career. During your early days as a cricketer – who was the most influential person in your life?

Tanvir Ahmed: Well, I began my career in Karachi. At the beginning, I was playing cricket on a recreational basis [tape ball]. I started my first-class career in the year 1997 and things kicked on from there. During my early days – I was truly inspired by Waqar Younis. My obsession for bowling increased as I watched him bowl for Pakistan. 

PakPassion.Net: Basically, one of the finest fast bowlers was your role model growing up?

Tanvir Ahmed: Absolutely, I loved the way he bowled. He was one of the main reasons I started playing cricket with a passion and started bowling with a certain desire.

PakPassion.Net: Which club did you play for during your early days? Who was the coach back then?

Tanvir Ahmed: There was no specific coach back then. The club I played for and still play for was/is Malir Gymkhana. 

PakPassion.Net: Is this Rashid bhai’s club?

Tanvir Ahmed: Yes it is.

PakPassion.Net: From the day you have started playing cricket – who has provided you with the greatest advice or has assisted you the most with your development as a cricketer?

Tanvir Ahmed: During the early days, when I started my first-class career – there wasn’t much assistance for players. I didn’t get substantial advice from anyone. Essentially, I grew up watching Waqar Younis and started modelling myself around him. I tried to learn things by watching him bowl. Another thing I used to do was watch local first-class matches especially if an international player was participating. Learning from watching them play was vital for my development. Generally, individuals do have proper coaches, but I never had one. I have gone through most of my career based off just talent.

PakPassion.Net: After watching you bowl a few times – it’s quite noticeable that you possess a somewhat front-on action. Obviously, you have had stints at the NCA – did any of the coaches there ask you to change this action?

Tanvir Ahmed: Not at all. In fact, they were relatively content with my action. Most people that have seen me bowl state that I have a authentic action and it does not need much altering. I wouldn’t state that my action is front-on; it’s more side-on. However, I don’t take these upbeat comments and run with them. I am always devoted on learning and tend to ask numerous people about my bowling and how it can be enhanced. There are always modest things that can be learnt through asking other cricketers/bowlers.

PakPassion.Net: Do you favour bowling with the new ball or the old ball?

Tanvir Ahmed: I don’t mind bowling with either ball. I typically have success with both, equally. For the club, I bowl with the new ball. 

PakPassion.Net: Has your speed ever been recorded? 

Tanvir Ahmed: Not that I know of. I have been to the National Cricket Academy for coaching sessions, but never have had the opportunity to get my pace checked by the speed guns. Typically, we just take part in matches and I have performed fine in those.

PakPassion.Net: Let’s talk about your strengths. How is your fitness?

Tanvir Ahmed: When I bowl with the new ball, I tend to bowl genuine out swing. When the ball gets old – I am capable of getting reverse swing coming into the batsmen. Swing is unquestionably a key component of my game. As far as fitness is concerned – MashAllah, I am reasonably fit. Irfan Sheikh is my present trainer – I spend a hefty portion of my day working with him on my fitness and training is a fundamental part of my day. 

PakPassion.Net: You went to England – you got to meet Waqar Younis and Aaqib Javed. How was your experience with them?

Tanvir Ahmed: They were immense bowlers in their time and I got to learn a lot from them. They undeniably know a lot about bowling and it was pleasant to see and learn from them. Waqar Younis commented on my follow-through as he felt it was a speck off. He assisted me with this aspect in the nets.

PakPassion.Net: You must be a little disappointed with not getting a chance in England? Considering the fact that you are a swing bowler and England is known for having swinging conditions.

Tanvir Ahmed: Absolutely not. I was not disheartened at all. These things are a part of life and you have to take things as they come. My focus is on coming back and making the team again. I will unquestionably give my 110% in trying to get selected again and this time playing and performing. 

PakPassion.Net: Let’s focus on Pakistan’s domestic cricket. What do you think about the nation’s domestic cricket? Are there too many teams for your liking?

Tanvir Ahmed: I don’t think that’s a problem in regards to there being a few too many teams. Pakistan is a large nation with many cricketers and many teams are required to fit them all. Yes, the competition can get lessened through there being too many teams; however there is enough talent to justify having as many teams as there are. I don’t mind the existing set-up. 

PakPassion.Net: Looking at your stats, you took 90 wickets in the previous domestic season. Which batsman do you feel gave you the most difficulty and should be playing for Pakistan now or soon enough?

Tanvir Ahmed: There were many decent batsmen in the domestic circuit, last season. I thought Naved Yasin was outstanding and he should be considered as an alternative in the middle order for Pakistan. He is a high-quality batsman. 

PakPassion.Net: Which player from the Pakistan team have you gotten along with really well?

Tanvir Ahmed: Umar Gul. He was one of my better mates on the England tour. 

PakPassion.Net: You have played domestic cricket for 13 years now and are 31 years old. Has there ever been a point in your career, where you felt that your time was up and your opportunity had departed?

Tanvir Ahmed: This is why my achievement is more exceptional. I made the squad even though my age is well past the usual acceptance age. Pakistan is recognized for selecting young fast bowlers rather than older ones. I feel this occurred because of the constant hard work I put in. I still sense I have a lot of life left in terms of cricket and I will continue trying to make the team. I have constantly been told to “Put your heart into what you are doing and keep working at your game”. I intend to follow this advice. 

PakPassion.Net: It is definitely important to select players that perform at the domestic level, regardless of their age. People will start getting disheartened, if they perform and don’t get selected.

Tanvir Ahmed: There are a lot of factors that have to be measured, though. It’s not just a matter of a bowler going in and running through a batting line-up at the domestic level. Your fitness levels have to be of international class and this is significant especially when you get into your thirties. Yes, if you are performing and your fitness levels are up – there is no reasons for the selectors to not pick you.

PakPassion.Net: Tell us about your favourite bowling performance in your career.

Tanvir Ahmed: There have been a few matches that I have enjoyed. There was a match where I took 13 wickets and another where I took 11 – so those were certainly memorable. However, my most favourite performance was during a Sindh vs. Balochistan match at National Stadium. The match was pretty much over – one hour of the match was left. I took two wickets to get the process started and the match all of a sudden started getting interesting. I kept on running in and I ended up with six wickets in one hour and we won the match. This match was played in 2002.

PakPassion.Net: Who has been your favourite captain, thus far?

Tanvir Ahmed: I have never had any problems with the captains that I have played under. All of them have been quite good. 

PakPassion.Net: The T20 tournament is starting – which team are you playing for?

Tanvir Ahmed: I will be playing for the Karachi Dolphins. They are a well-built team.

PakPassion.Net: Do you feel you can still improve in terms of your bowling?

Tanvir Ahmed: Every cricketer feels they are a perfect bowler. However, this is the most horrible way to look at things as no one is perfect. You have to work hard every day and find slight mistakes in your game and iron them out. This can only be done with the right attitude – so yes, I can still improve. 

PakPassion.Net: Thank you very much for your time. 

Tanvir Ahmed: Thank you.