Irfan, 28, of Nankana Sahib in Punjab, started his cricketing career back in 2009 at Rana Naveed ul Hasan cricket academy.
He went on to play first class and eventually played three seasons of T20 cricket in the Pakistan Super League with Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators.
Last year Irfan attained Australian permanent residence on the basis of his cricketing skills having been granted a distinguished talent visa in the sports category.
According to the Department of Home Affairs website, a distinguished talent visa - known as the global talent visa from February 2021 - is granted to someone who has an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, arts, or academia and research.
For the year 2021-22, only 225 people were granted this visa.
After a long wait of 27 months, Irfan obtained his visa in December last year. Source: Supplied / Muhammad Irfan Junior
He says his entry into the Western Suburbs District Cricket Club was facilitated by a friend who introduced him to the club's rich cricketing heritage. The club has been a nurturing ground for cricketing talents like Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist, and Mitchell Starc.
Irfan says the club helped provide recommendation letters essential for his distinguished talent visa application.
The visa processing was a "challenging" 27-month endeavour, culminating in success when he finally received the visa in December last year.
"It was not easy as it was a long process but my club was quite helpful in getting
me all the relevant documentation for this visa," he says.
This is a permanent visa for people who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field. Credit: Department of Home affairs
Irfan was lucky enough to get a supporting letter from former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke, as well as a recommendation letter from David Gilbert, a former Australian test cricketer and former executive of Cricket NSW.
"I cannot thank them enough for believing in me and making all this happen," he says.
Irfan says he was driven to make this decision due to the uncertain future of sports in Pakistan, but he remains grateful for the opportunities he was given in his homeland.
"Whatever I am today, it is because of the Pakistan cricket community and I will never forget them. but in the end, you must think about your future," he says.
In Australia, Irfan is excelling in first-grade cricket, capturing 51 wickets in the 2022 season and earning a spot in the official team of the year.
He holds hope of securing an opportunity to play in this year's Big Bash League.
