In our latest exclusive interview, Sahiwal-born all-round talent Sharoon Siraj opens up about his cricketing journey, the challenges of Pakistan's domestic circuit, and his aspirations for the future. The 27-year-old, currently on a stint in England, shares insights into his development, mentors, and the factors that shaped his career.

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 By Saj Sadiq (June 26, 2025)

Key topics of the interview:

Inspiration:
 He shared how Virat Kohli’s intensity and flair influenced him during childhood, especially while playing tape-ball cricket, sparking his passion for the sport.

Domestic Struggles: He spoke about facing barriers in Pakistan’s club cricket setup, where internal politics often eclipse talent and make it difficult for emerging players to climb the ranks.

Pakistan Shaheens Call-Up: Reflected on his game-changing 42 runs and 3 wickets against Sri Lanka A in Islamabad, describing it as the performance that brought him into national conversation.

Desire to Represent Pakistan in All Formats: Expressed a strong desire to represent Pakistan across all formats of the game. His ambition reflects a commitment to contribute to the national team's success and to leave a lasting impact on the cricketing landscape.

Ali Tareen’s Support: Credited Ali Tareen for spotting his potential early, offering critical mentorship and opportunities that pushed him past structural limitations in domestic cricket.

England Stint and Adaptation: Discussed the realities of playing league cricket in Bradford—adjusting to unfamiliar pitches, cultural differences, and navigating financial hardships abroad.

Fielding Focus: He emphasized how, under Waqar Younis’s regime, fielding became non-negotiable, and the intense drills significantly lifted his fitness, awareness, and competitiveness.

Watch the full interview with Saj here:

"Ali Khan Tareen supported me a lot": Sharoon Siraj