As the countdown begins for Pakistan’s red-ball domestic season, anticipation is growing among cricket enthusiasts and selectors as they seek out emerging talented Pakistani cricketers.
The Hanif Mohammad Trophy, celebrated for discovering future Test stars and offering a genuine assessment of skill and temperament, is scheduled to commence on August 15, with matches planned in Karachi, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
This year’s competition is set to be particularly fierce, with players competing not just for trophies but also for the opportunity to attract the attention of national selectors in light of a packed international schedule.
In this regard, I have compiled a playing XI that showcases exceptional talents and emerging prospects that you should keep an eye on as the red-ball season progresses.
Disclaimer: This XI will exclude well-known players like Azan Awais or Ali Raza; the aim of this article is to spotlight young talents who often do not receive significant recognition.
Abdullah Fazal
Abdullah Fazal, a left-handed batsman hailing from Karachi, is recognized for his aggressive approach against spin bowling and made a significant impact during his inaugural season.
He amassed a total of 316 runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and contributed an additional 465 runs in the President’s Trophy, swiftly positioning himself as a dependable figure at the top of the batting order.
In 12 First-Class matches across these tournaments, Abdullah recorded six scores of fifty or more, with a standout century against a strong FATA bowling attack that included notable players such as Shahid Aziz, Asif Afridi, and Sirajuddin.
His innings of 129 in that particular game represented nearly half of his team’s total score of 259, emphasizing his capability to stabilize the innings when under duress.
His consistent performances throughout the President’s Trophy also placed him among the top ten openers of the tournament, indicating that he is a player to keep an eye on in the upcoming season.
Shamyl Hussain
Shamyl Hussain’s recent selection for the Pakistan Shaheens’ tour of England has ignited some controversy, with detractors suggesting that his inclusion is due to his father’s political ties.
Nevertheless, such assertions fail to recognize the quality of his on-field performances. Following a difficult beginning in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy last season, Shamyl made a remarkable comeback in the President’s Trophy, playing a crucial role in PTV’s championship-winning effort.
He concluded the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer, demonstrating his resilience and capacity to perform under pressure.
Significantly, in his last three innings of the tournament, Shamyl achieved two important half-centuries, including a key innings during a fourth-innings chase in the final against a formidable State Bank bowling lineup that included Mohammad Abbas, Kashif Bhatti, Niaz Khan, and Mohammad Ismail.
His consistent performances were vital to PTV’s triumph and fully warranted his selection for the national team. Shamyl’s recent displays position him as one of the Pakistani cricketers capable of excelling on the grand stage.
Mohsin Riaz
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