Faheem Ashraf is part of Pakistan’s rich crop of fast-bowling all-rounders — a role that has become both competitive and crucial in the country's cricketing setup. With a constant influx of emerging talent, competition for places remains fierce, making it a challenge for players to cement their spots. Faheem, however, has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he can be more than just another name in Pakistan’s rotating lineup. Originally making his mark as a pace bowler, Faheem grabbed global attention with a blistering 64 off just 30 balls in a warm-up match against Bangladesh ahead of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. His fearless batting style drew comparisons to the pinch-hitters of the 1990s, showcasing his ability to shift momentum in limited-overs formats. His most iconic moment with the ball came in October 2017 against Sri Lanka, where he claimed a T20I hat-trick — dismissing Isuru Udana, Mahela Udawatte, and Dasun Shanaka — becoming the first Pakistani to achieve this feat in T20 internationals. The performance was a reminder of his match-winning potential with the ball. During Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, Faheem was even promoted to open the batting in an ODI — a testament to his versatility, though the experiment didn’t yield results. Nonetheless, such opportunities highlight the faith the management has had in his all-round capabilities. For Faheem to become a regular in Pakistan’s playing XI, consistency will be key. His ability to deliver impactful performances with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset, and if he can sustain form, there's little doubt he can play an integral role in future tournaments, including World Cups.
