Khurram Manzoor is a right-handed opening batsman who has represented Pakistan in seven one-day internationals and seven Tests between 2008 and 2010, scoring six half-centuries. 

Manzoor burst on to the domestic scene at the age of 16 after making an attacking 73 on his first-class debut in 2002, but struggled to establish himself. However, he returned in the 2004/5 season, scoring almost 500 runs including two hundreds for Karachi. He hit the national selector's radar after scoring over 1,000 runs at an average of 54 in the 2007-08 season - his form being recognised with selection for Pakistan A against Australia A. He was subsequently drafted into the full national squad for the final ODI against Zimbabwe in January 2008, scoring a half-century. 

Manzoor was the skipper of the Academy team that successfully toured Zimbabwe and Kenya in 2008 and his good form earned a call up for three ODIs against Sri Lanka. 

Manzoor made his Test match debut against Sri Lanka in Karachi. An unbeaten 59 in an abandoned match at Lahore impressed the selectors and he was retained for the following series away to Sri Lanka. In the final Test match of the series, Manzoor missed out on a maiden century by seven runs, but with Pakistan struggling to find good opening batsmen, Khurram seemed to have had the opportunity to establish himself in the national team. He was dropped after the Pakistan's disastrous tour of Australia in 2010 despite registering 77, the highest score of the innings, in his final outing before being discarded.

Manzoor finished in the top ten highest run-getters in the 2012/13 Faysal Bank One Day Cup, with 259 runs from six matches at 51.80, at a strike rate of 80.68. He followed that with 349 runs in only four matches at an average of 87.25 in the President's Cup One-Day Tournament that followed. 

Manzoor, 27, could be viewed as a long term solution to Pakistan's opening problems and PakPassion.net caught up with him during the ongoing Advance Telecom Ramadan T20 Cup in Karachi. 
 

by PakPassion Staff (22nd July 2013)

PakPassion.net: Who was your inspiration when you started cricket?

Khurram Manzoor: I didn't start my cricket by following any specific player, but what I remember is watching the 1992 World Cup. What I recall is those empty streets and when people used to go home as early as possible so they could watch the whole match. The team at that time was full of stars whom we idolised. My father also had a passion for cricket that I inherited, but the main motivation that inspired me was the 1992 World Cup.


PakPassion.net: Who?s your all-time favourite cricketer?

Khurram Manzoor: To be very honest, it?s more important to be a good human being rather than a good cricketer, and for this I admire Younis Khan. He?s a very kind and supporting personality. He?s always there to support youngsters and guide them to succeed. You feel lucky if you get someone like him in your circle, because in this field it?s hard to expect such support from anyone.

From a playing perspective, Sachin Tendulkar is my all-time favourite.


PakPassion.net: You received a Test call-up in 2009 against Sri Lanka. What this the biggest moment of your cricketing career?

Khurram Manzoor: Yes, getting a Test cap is a dream of any cricketer. I didn?t expect a call for my debut, but in the previous week I had scored a double century against Mumbai in the Quaid e Azam Trophy, so I had some hopes that I could make it. I got a call and was selected in the playing eleven. Indeed that was biggest moment of my life.


PakPassion.net: Khurram you are in good form this season in all formats. Which format would you say you are most focused on: T20?s, ODI?s or Tests?

Khurram Manzoor: For me, keeping your fitness should be first priority. If you maintain your fitness you can adjust yourself to every form of the game. I am conscious about my fitness and work hard to maintain my fitness levels and that will be the key to my return. I have not suffered from any sort injury for many years and scored more than 5,000 runs in the last three years. You can consistently perform if you keep your fitness high.


PakPassion.net: Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad and Nasir Jamshed currently hold the top three positions for Pakistan and the competition is tough. How does Khurram Manzoor address the challenge of returning to the national team?

Khurram Manzoor: I haven?t set specific goals to displace Nasir Jamshed, Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad or Taufeeq Umar and get their spot. I focus on the game I am going to play next. That?s what my coach taught me - if you want to be successful, don?t think of bridging-over anyone, just focus on your next game and perform there, whether that be international, domestic or club cricket. You will achieve success if you stick to this.


PakPassion.net: Any message you want to convey to the youngsters who are just beginning their careers?

Khurram Manzoor: Believe in hard work. Water makes it?s way by itself - nothing can stop its flow. Become like water and make your way to your destination - no matter what hurdles get in it's way. It?s an inspirational little story, but there is a lot to learn from it. Believe in God and believe in yourself that you can do it.


PakPassion.net: Khurram, All the best for the future

Khurram Manzoor: Thanks.