‘I’ll never stop’ - Ian Bishop humbles veteran Pakistan journalist with inspiring words

Former West Indies international Ian Bishop was criticised for hyping youngsters in the ongoing Under 19 World Cup in South Africa. The cricketer-turned-commentator called Pakistan pacer Ali Raza a ‘Superstar’ after he picked up his fourth wicket against Australia in the semi-final of the tournament but that didn’t impress Waheed Khan, senior Pakistan journalist. He noted that Bishop overhypes youngsters and remarked that his famous ‘Remember the Name’ line for Carlos Brathwaite during T20 World Cup 2016 went in vain as the cricketer couldn’t make fame in international cricket.

Replying to that, Bishop explained the reason behind being excited for every player. The 56-year-old stated that growing up, he shared the locker room with some of the legends of the game, in the form of Phil Simmons, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner and later on Michael Holding. The former cricketer added that he used to be ambitionless but praises from the legends of West Indies motivated him to get better. He mentioned passing it to the youngster who needs it as it often inspires them.

“I was an ambitionless, drifting teenager when I first played senior cricket with Phil Simmons, against Marshall, Garner & later, Holding. I heard they’d said nice things about my game. That inspired me to believe in myself. I’ll never stop passing that on to others,” Bishop wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

Pakistan U19 bowed out of World Cup after suffering a heartbreak loss to Australia

Meanwhile, Pakistan suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the Under 19 World Cup semifinal clash against Australia. They were close to getting the job done but an inside edge in the final over ruined the party as the Kangroos qualified for the finals. However, the Saad Baig-led side bowlers did a phenomenal job but a lack of character from the batters cost them in the end.

Also Read: U19 World Cup: ICC over-rate rule adds to Pakistan's woes in last over semi-final drama against Australia

On the other hand, Australia pacer Tom Straker picked up six wickets in the semis, which helped them to qualify for the finals. They will now play against five-time champions India in the summit clash, which is slated to take place on Sunday, February 11, in Benoni.