The left-arm pace sensation, Usman Khan Shinwari, caught everybody’s attention during the recently concluded limited-over series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka when he ripped the Sri Lankan top order, completing a five-for in just 21 balls.
In the following T20i as well, Usman Shinwari bagged man-of-the-match award to make it two in two, however the troubled back derailed his progress. The left-arm paceman is optimistic of a comeback soon.
This correspondent spoke to the 23-year old fast bowler about his journey, hardships and future plans.
Early days:
Usman Khan Shinwari was born in Khyber agency, Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) in 1994 and moved to the provincial capital of Kyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar at a very young age.
“I started playing cricket in 2009 from Islamia Cricket academy in Peshawar and later joined Shireen Mehal cricket club. I still represent the same club in Peshawar”, Shinwari said
Shinwari acknowledged the continuous support of his coach, Saqib Faqeer who, Shinwari said, introduced him to cricket and helped him throughout the career.
“I didn’t have facilities yet I kept on playing. I trained in harsh weather and even on Eid days with one aim to represent the national team”, Usman Shinwari said
Usman Shinwari made it to the national T20 side in 2013 however an unimpressive debut against Sri Lanka in Dubai and the back injury pushed him away from the limelight very quickly.
The injury:
Early in his career, Shinwari was caught up by an injury which was then dubbed as ‘career threatening’ but he burst on to the scene four years later, with a bang.
“In 2013 I was written off by the doctors however I recovered by the grace of God and my perseverance”, Shinwari recalled
“It was a very tough phase for me. I used to visit the ground everyday with a single thought to wear the Pakistan colour again”, Shinwari added
Shinwari did return to international cricket, with good performances in domestic competitions under his belt, but has been hit by the back injury yet again. The paceman, however, is upbeat to make a comeback soon.
“This injury is comparatively not that grave. I am working hard to make a comeback soon”, Shinwari hoped
What’s next?
Shinwari said his entire focus is to get fit again to play for Pakistan.
“The journey has not been easy but I worked hard day in and day out. I am ready for this challenge as well”, Shinwari said
“I want to play aggressive cricket like Shoaib Akhtar”, Usman Shinwari concluded