Not Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan! Ex-Pakistan coach recommends this young player to IPL teams
Published - 25 Aug 2025, 12:09 PM | Updated - 25 Aug 2025, 12:13 PM
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Former Pakistani Test head coach and Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie heaped praise on Pakistan Shaheens captain Irfan Khan Niazi after his impressive performances in the Top End T20 Series. Jason Gillespie has called Irfan Khan Niazi a “quality and outstanding” player.
Irfan Khan amassed 144 runs in 7 games at an average of 24 and a strike rate of over 130 in the Top End T20 Series. However, he could not take his Shaheens team to the finals of the ongoing tournament, and later, the Perth Scorchers Academy lifted the trophy.
Jason Gillespie backs Irfan Khan Niazi as the next big star
After the final, the former Australian fast-bowling great predicted a big future for the youngster. Gillespie believes that Irfan has all the qualities to become a long-term asset for the Men in Green across formats.
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The former coach also feels that Irfan’s performances will soon attract attention from global T20 leagues. With his skills, temperament, and personality, Gillespie feels Irfan will be the kind of player every franchise, including the Pakistan Super League, would love to have.
Jason Gillespie said, “Irfan Khan will be a long-term player for Pakistan. A very good player. The T20 leagues will come calling. He is a quality player and an outstanding person. I would recommend him to any franchise and team.”
Pakistan's former head coach Jason Gillespie is impressed with Pakistan Shaheens captain Irfan Khan Niazi.#Cricket | #Pakistan | #JasonGillespie | #IrfanKhanNiazi | #Darwin | #Australia pic.twitter.com/QYafjvlg0t
— Khel Shel (@khelshel) August 24, 2025
Perth Scorchers Academy vs Pakistan Shaheens Semifinal Highlight
Meanwhile, Perth Scorchers ended Shaheens’ dream run in the Top End T20 Series 2025 with a thrilling 48-run victory in the semi-final at Darwin’s Gardens Oval on August 24. It was a double heartbreak for the Shaheens, as they crashed out at the same stage last year.
Speaking about the match, the Perth Scorchers Academy posted a fighting total of 155 on the board despite a mid-innings collapse triggered by the Shaheens’ spin attack. Faisal Akram, Mehran Mumtaz, and Saad Masood combined to rip through the middle order, reducing the Scorchers to 69/6.
But a gritty counterattack from Nicholas Hobson, who played a fluent knock of 59 runs, and Matthew Kelly, who added a quick-fire 23, helped the Perth Scorchers Academy to post a competitive total against the Shaheens in the Top End T20 Series 2025 semifinal.
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Chasing 156, Shaheens had a horrific start, losing three wickets for just 17 runs inside the first five overs. Irfan Khan and Khawaja Nafay briefly steadied the innings with a 38-run stand, but once the latter was run out, they suffered a dramatic collapse.
Perth Scorchers Academy clinches Top End T20 Series 2025 trophy
Wasim Jr. tried his best with 25, but it wasn’t enough against the Scorchers’ disciplined bowling, as the Shaheens bowled out for 107 in 17.1 overs, missing the chance to make it to the finals. Keaton Critchell shone with the ball, picking three wickets, while Bryce Jackson and Kelly claimed two each.
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They finished the tournament second in the group stage with four wins from six matches. Later, the Perth Scorchers Academy thrashed the Adelaide Strikers Academy by 15 runs in the final to lift the Top End T20 Series 2025 trophy on Sunday, August 24.
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