LAHORE (Kashmir English): Rising Pakistani batter Khawaja Nafay has credited West Indies cricket legend Sir Viv Richards for helping him gain new confidence in his game. Nafay, who has been making waves in domestic and franchise cricket, said that the guidance he received from Richards has completely changed his mindset.
The young batter, currently taking part in the PCB’s second phase of the Skills Development Camp, revealed the advice by the batting maestro which is fuelling his journey to the top.
Talking about his experience with Quetta Gladiators, Khawaja Nafay said Sir Viv taught him how powerful self-belief can be for a cricketer.
“I got the opportunity to learn from Sir Vivian Richards,” Khawaja Nafay said. “He told me that if I play with self-belief, nothing will ever be difficult. Even when he played the hardest shots, he trusted himself completely.”
“Viv Richards told me to play with pride and never doubt myself,” said Khawaja Nafay. “Hearing those words from a legend gave me the motivation I needed to push harder.”
Nafay shared that he and his teammates often watched old videos of Sir Viv’s batting and then asked him questions about how he stayed so calm and fearless.
“We used to ask him about his methods after seeing how he batted. He told us that believing in yourself as a player is what made the biggest difference in his career,” Khawaja Nafay explained.
Nafay, who has been a part of several high-profile T20 leagues, is now being seen as one of Pakistan’s future batting stars. His recent performances have caught the attention of selectors, and many believe it’s only a matter of time before he gets a national call-up.
Still just 23, Khawaja Nafay has had the opportunity to learn from one of the best batters ever in the history of the game, and with Sir Viv’s lessons in mind, he feels ready to take the next step in his career.
The young batter has already shown glimpses of his potential with aggressive batting and the ability to finish games under pressure. Fans and former players have also praised his fearless style and maturity beyond his years.
As Pakistan continues to search for solid middle-order batters, Khawaja Nafay stands out as a promising option. With the confidence boost he’s received and consistent performances, his chances of representing the national side look stronger than ever.
