Exclusive: “Virat Kohli Named Dream Wicket, ETPL A Stepping Stone To IPL”- USA’s Ali Khan Opens Up Like Never Before

Ali Khan names Virat Kohli as his dream international wicket [Source: AFP, X]

Born in Pakistan, Ali Khan moved to Ohio, USA, at 18, which changed the cricketing trajectory of one of the finest USA pacers at the moment. The pacer caught the attention during the T20 World Cup 2024, as he, alongside Saurabh Netravalkar, impressed the cricketing world with his skill set.

Over the years, the tearaway pacer, Ali Khan, has honed his skills by playing in various franchise tournaments, with the latest being the MLC 2026, wherein he captured the title playing for the Los Angeles Knight Riders.

The 35-year-old will now be seen in action in the upcoming European T20 Premier League, and he will represent the Glasgow Cosmics. CREX got an opportunity to speak to the USA star player, and here’s how the discussion went.

Ali Khan Exclusive- On his cricketing journey, his favourite batter to dismiss, and a lot more..

Q.1: You have been a part of the IPL, have done wonders in the CPL and other franchise leagues, and now, you will take part in the inaugural ETPL. How exciting is this opportunity for you?

Answer: It’s a great opportunity to be a part of the ETPL. It is a new tournament, with some world-class players in it, and I am really looking forward to playing in it.

Q.2: You will share the ETPL dressing room alongside some of the big South African names, Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj. Is there a particular trait that you want to learn from some of these highly regarded international bowlers?

Answer: Lungi Ngidi is a world-class bowler, and so is Keshav Maharaj, and yes, there is one particular skill which I want to learn from Ngidi. He bowled some brilliant slower deliveries in the IPL recently, and that is something I want to learn from him. 

Q.3: You have gained popularity in India after that spell against them in the T20 World Cup 2026. A lot of people would love to know how your cricketing journey began in the USA.

Answer: Yes, I moved to the USA at the age of 18, and initially it was difficult starting my cricketing journey. Back in Pakistan, we used to play on the terrace, and playing there was easy.

However, initially in the USA, you didn’t get proper grounds to play cricket, but gradually, things changed, and now we have world-class facilities. My journey mainly started in 2015 during trials in Indianapolis, and eventually I got a chance to play for the USA team. Coming to India was very special and the fan fare that we got as a team will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Q.4: Your raw pace caught the attention of several coaches, including the West Indian legend, Courtney Walsh. Tell us about that story. Did you interact with him? What advice did he give you?

Answer: Yes, it was Walsh who spotted me when I was giving trials in Indianapolis in 2015. I had an interaction with him for a brief period, and he told me to concentrate on my pace and gave me valuable advice that has been quite useful to date. He was really generous, and we had an intense discussion related to pace bowling.

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Q.5: I also want to congratulate you on winning the MLC 2026 with the Los Angeles Knight Riders. You shared the dressing room with two of the biggest T20 superstars in Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. How was that experience?

Answer: Thank you so much. Yes, it was great winning the MLC; it was our first time winning the tournament, so it was an amazing feeling for everyone. I have played with both Sunil Narine and Andre Russell not only in the MLC, but during my stint with CPL as well.

The two are legends of the game, and they are the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of this format (T20s).

Q.6: Los Angeles Knight Riders is owned by one of the biggest superstars in the world, Shah Rukh Khan. Did you get a chance to meet him in MLC 2026?

Answer: It is always wonderful to meet Shah Rukh sir (Shah Rukh Khan). I have met him several times during the CPL. He is someone who motivates everyone, and he initiated building a new cricket stadium in Los Angeles, so that was a great move.

He didn’t come during the MLC as he was shooting for his next movie, but whenever we meet him, it is always a pleasure.

Q.7: The last two T20 World Cups have been interesting for you and the USA. You guys defeated Pakistan in 2024, and almost gave India a scare in 2026. Fair to say that USA cricket is going on the right track?

Answer: Yes, the last two T20 World Cups were good for us. That Pakistan game was special, and we played a brilliant game against a quality side. Also, we almost scored a victory against India. Coming to India is always a great feeling, and we felt we could beat India, but we just couldn’t hold on to our nerves.

USA cricket is going on the right track; there are quality bowlers emerging for us, with Hassan Khan one of them.

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Q.8: You have been associated with the USA cricket team for a long time now. What changes have you witnessed that have resulted in the rise? Is there anything special done on grassroot level?

Answer: Over the years, there have been new grounds, plus, the facilities have improved a lot. Moreover, the MLC has contributed a lot to USA cricket’s success as a lot of new players emerge, and they get a chance to shine at the biggest stage. 

There are a lot of players coming in from other countries to join our cricket team. Hassan Khan is another player who has had the same trajectory as me and hopefully, you will see USA Cricket thriving soon.

Q.9: Is there any one batter who is your dream wicket? The one you would cherish.

Answer: Yes, I wanted to dismiss Virat Kohli during the T20 World Cup 2024, but he was dismissed by Netravalkar on the very first ball, and before I could come into the attack, he was gone. But yes, he remains my dream wicket.

Q.10: Varun Aaron, a prominent Indian name, has become the Glasgow Cosmics’ bowling coach. He has closely worked with SRH in the IPL, and what learnings can you take from him in the upcoming ETPL?

Answer: He is a great bowler, and I have been following his work for years now. He has done well in the IPL as a bowling coach, and the ETPL will provide a chance for me to speak to him about my bowling. There are a lot of skill sets that I can still learn from him (Varun Aaron).

Q.11: Are you looking at ETPL as an opportunity to get into the IPL?

Answer: ETPL is a big tournament, with some of the best players taking part in it. So, naturally, one would want to do well in it. And yes, if I do well in the tournament, the doors could open for a place in the IPL. But as of now, my plan is only to do well for my team in the ETPL.

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