Hasan Ali reveals the reason behind his wicket celebration

Pakistan’s latest bowling sensation, Hasan Ali has taken the cricketing world by a storm ever since his foray. The 23-year-old has taken great strides in his career and is currently the numero uno bowler in ICC ODI bowler rankings. 2017 has been a breakthrough year for the right-arm seamer, who was a huge revelation during Pakistan’s outing in the Champions Trophy earlier in the year. Hasan Ali starred as Pakistan defied every odd to lift the ICC Championship Trophy after defeating arch-rivals India in a scintillating finale.

Hasan’s older brother, Ata-ur-Rahman made Hasan the player he is. Being the younger brother, Hasan was destined to be a bowler, and trained in the nets diligently, working hard towards overcoming his physical disadvantages. At just 5’7”, Hasan is not the typical fast bowler, but he compensates for the physique with his consistency, variations, and intelligence.

The reason behind his wicket celebration

In an exclusive interview with Cricbuzz, Ali talked about the phenomenal year that he enjoyed. When quizzed about his style of wicket celebration, the medium-fast bowler revealed that he was inspired by veteran Pakistani seamer Waqar Younis. As a kid, he used to enjoy Waqar’s lethal yorkers and toe-crushers and was inspired by the aggressiveness he portrayed on the pitch. He believes his celebration should be such so that it touches the crowd who leave behind everything and come to the stadium to root for their team.

He said, “My style of celebration is especially for the fans who come to the ground leaving their job or studies. I think there should be something for them to enjoy. Maybe they will think that they should come to our next match so that they get to see me do this celebration. There will also be batsmen whose style they prefer.”

Hasan Ali credits Shoaib Malik for all the support

The Pakistan team in the 90s and in the early 21st century, has witnessed some impeccable players who have graced the sport. Of them, Imran Khan is a very popular figure. The former captain was a support system for the other legendary players in the squad like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Aaqib Javed. However, since their departure, the team have been left with an enormous void. When Hasan was asked about the same, he believes he has been lucky to work with some of the greatest players of the present generation. He also extended the courtesy to Shoaib Malik, who has supported and guided him throughout.

Hasan said, “The one person who really helps me is Shoaib Malik, who was also my state captain. Till date, he is guiding me. We are playing in the same team in the BPL. He usually fields at mid-on or mid-off when I am bowling. He knows so much about me that I feel good talking to him on the field.”