Irfan made a comeback to competitive cricket yesterday in a national level T20 Ramazan tournament in Faisalabad, three and half months after suffering from a stress fracture in the pelvis during the World Cup.
"I am fine now and completely fit as the rehabilitation process has been very good, but the regret is still there. I couldn't play in the World Cup quarter-final against Australia and that was such a big match," Irfan told PTI.
"I was so pumped up in that tournament and was bowling with fire but I guess one can't fight such things," he stated.
In his absence Pakistan lost a low scoring quarter-final to the hosts.
Irfan has a career riddled with fitness issues and before the World Cup blow, he had also suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of the game for nearly four months.
"I am playing here with the permission of the cricket board and selectors, they wanted to see how I respond after recovering from the injury and I am hopeful I would be considered for the one-dayers and T20 game in Sri Lanka next month," he said.
Irfan struck with the first ball he bowled yesterday.
"I enjoy cricket and bowling and it is a challenge bowling in T20 cricket, but I have learnt how to cope with the mindset of the batsmen now," he added.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
