KARACHI: Tayyab Tahir, an emerging batting sensation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) championship, has said he aspires to be an “all-format player” after scoring 65 runs for Karachi Kings in his first tournament match against Multan Sultans last month.

Tahir grabbed the attention of PSL selectors through his outstanding first-class cricket performance after he hit a ton while participating in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in October 2021. As he faced Multan’s bowling attack, he was widely praised for scoring 65 runs off 46 deliveries.

Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram called him a “very exciting talent” with a “bright future ahead of him in the PSL.” Tahir was also called to join the country’s national cricket squad for a One Day International series against New Zealand, though he did not participate in any match.

“I aspire to become an all-format player,” he told Arab News in a recent interview, adding that he played as the situation demanded.

“If you are top order, playing in top order, you have to see how the ball is coming on the wicket. You have to play T20 according to the situation … Sometime, if you think the wicket is good, you can play those [big] shots,” he continued.

The 30-year-old hitter from central Punjab said he was not in awe of any bowler while batting against a team.

“You cannot give that much respect to anyone,” he said. “I try to hit [everyone], but recently [Multan’s] Ihansullah is bowling very well.”

Tahir said his friends and relatives were quite happy with his performance, though no one was more overjoyed than his parents when he scored 65.

“The ones who get happiest and are closest to you are your parents. There are your siblings as well, but the [happiest person] is your father,” he told Arab News, adding that his father had supported him a lot and encouraged him to build his career in the sport.

Tahir said many batters had inspired him, though he greatly admired A.B. de Villiers and Kane Williamson.

“There are many players who can help you learn a lot by simply watching them,” he added.