Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has named a group of young fast bowlers and batters he believes could become important players for the national team in the coming years.
Speaking during a recent podcast interview with an international sports platform, Amir was asked to identify emerging Pakistani players who may still be relatively unknown to English audiences.
Among the fast bowlers, Amir singled out Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad and Ali Raza.
He was particularly impressed with Mohammad Ali, highlighting his control, consistency and recent performances across different levels of cricket.
Ali took nine wickets during Pakistan’s recently concluded two-Test series against the West Indies and also claimed a five-wicket haul in a warm-up match against a West Indies XI.
Mohammad Amir also pointed to the pacer’s experience in first-class cricket, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and his stint with Nottinghamshire.
“I think Muhammad Ali will be very crucial. He is bowling so well. From first-class cricket and the PSL, he played for Notts and he has performed really well. He also played a practice game in the West Indies, where he took a five-wicket haul. He bowls really well with good length and good control,” Amir said.
The former Pakistan fast bowler also praised Khurram Shahzad and backed Ali Raza to develop into a key player if managed properly.
Raza has impressed for Peshawar Zalmi in the last two editions of the PSL, taking 22 wickets in 14 matches.
“Khurram Shahzad is a good seam bowler. In the future, if we look after Ali Raza, he is a genuine fast bowler. He is quick and knows how to bowl. I think these three or four guys can perform well,” Amir said.
On the batting side, Mohammad Amir named Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal as two promising young players who could serve Pakistan for a long time.
Awais has played four Tests for Pakistan and scored 228 runs, including one century and one half-century.
Fazal, meanwhile, was part of Pakistan’s squad for the West Indies series but did not feature in either Test. He has scored 141 runs in two Tests, including two half-centuries.
“If you talk about the batters, Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal are very young, but they are very good prospects. I think they can serve Pakistan for a long period. But, as we know in Asian culture, you never know what is coming next. I don’t know what is going to happen in the future, but they are very good players,” Amir concluded.
Get the latest sports news, match updates, and player stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
Shares
