'Anyone can perform when it's going well, important to perform in difficult situations' - Ijaz Ahmadzai
In an exclusive chat, the Afghanistan youngster opened up about his journey, and spoke about the words of encouragement he received from Rashid Khan on his debut which eased him into international cricket
Afghanistan’s Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai is the new, talent player to make a mark in international cricket. The 23-year's two back-to-back half-centuries helped his side seal the three-match T20I series with one game in hand. During an exclusive chat with Cricbuzz the right-handed batter from Kabul opened up about his journey, the words of motivation he received to ease into international cricket and more.
Excerpts:
Can you tell us about your cricketing journey? How did it start?
I started playing cricket during my school days. My elder brothers used to play tennis-ball cricket in our home yard and also participated in local tournaments. I was interested in cricket, so I would always ask them to take me along to watch their matches. I would tell them that I could help by looking after their personal belongings, and sometimes I even helped as a ball picker. One day, one of their players was absent, so I got an opportunity to play. We fielded first, and later I got the chance to bat in the final over. I hit two sixes in that over. Since I was much younger than the other players, everyone was surprised by my ability to hit the ball so well.
In my next opportunity during the tournament, I hit three sixes and also bowled very well. After seeing my performance, I started playing tennis-ball cricket regularly. One of my friends from tennis-ball cricket also used to play hard-ball cricket. He told me, “You play very well, and I think you can play hard-ball cricket too.” Eventually, I asked my brother, Ziaulhaq, to enroll me in a cricket academy so that I could pursue cricket professionally. That is how my cricketing journey started.
You were talking about Saber, to whom you dedicated your performance. Can you tell us about the the role he has played in your career?
Saber is actually my elder brother. He used to play tennis-ball cricket and had a very good understanding of the game and its rules. He supported me a lot throughout my cricketing journey. So for me, he is not only my brother but also a mentor. Apart from him, I have also worked with several coaches, including Raees Ahmadzai, Dawlat Ahmadzai, Nawroz Mangal, Rozi Khan, Niaz, Munawar Shah, and others who have coached and guided me at different stages and during different events.
Two half centuries on the trot and both in winning causes. How does it feel to contribute as a new entrant in the national team?
I am very happy to have scored back-to-back half-centuries, especially because both innings came at times when our team was in a difficult situation and really needed runs. I have worked very hard to earn my place in the national team, so I am very happy that I was able to make the most of the opportunity and showcase my abilities.
In the first game it was a partnership with Rashid Khan, and in the second game it was with Azmatullah Omarzai. How did they guide you in the middle? What were you talking about with Omarzai when you began that record-breaking partnership?
When I was batting with Rashid Khan, the match was in a very difficult and high-pressure situation. Rashid told me, “I believe in your abilities. You can hit sixes.” When a senior player gives that kind of support and confidence to a youngster, it gives you a lot of positive energy. His words really encouraged me, helped me overcome the pressure, and gave me the confidence to play my natural game.
When I was batting with Azmatullah, he told me that playing too defensively would only make the situation more difficult for the team. He said, “Play bravely, just like you did in the last match.” I told him that I would make sure to put away every loose delivery. He encouraged me and said, “You have the ability to hit the ball to every part of the ground. Just believe in yourself and go for it.” That support and communication really helped me while batting.
What goes through your mind when you come to bat in the middle? Can you describe your role in the team?
In both matches, when we lost early wickets, many thoughts were going through my mind. But I backed myself and kept telling myself, “I can do it.” Anyone can perform when things are going well, but what is really important is performing in difficult situations, when the team and the country need you the most. While I was sitting in the dugout, I told myself that I needed to take some time, get settled at the crease, and then start playing my shots. That was my mindset before going in to bat, and thankfully, I was able to execute it. I believe we have a very strong team with great players. Things simply did not go our way on the day (as a batting unit) and the players could not perform the way they normally do, but we know our capabilities and we are confident in ourselves.
