SWABI: Aamir Nawab, a former member of governing body of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said on Monday that the members of the Pakistan cricket team are determined to compete gallantly in the upcoming Cricket World Cup and will do their best to win the mega event which will heal the deep scars of terrorism.

Talking to Dawn during a lunch hosted in honour of fast bowler Junaid Khan and leg-spinner Yasir Shah by chief municipal officer Mian Shafiqur Rehman, Amir said: “Pakistan players have put in tremendous hardwork and extraordinary training but they will still be required to adjust themselves with the environment and climate of Australia and New Zeeland which will be key to their success.”

When this correspondent approached Junaid and Yasir for their comments, they made it clear that they are not allowed to talk to media without the PCB permission.

Yasir belongs to Serai village in Maneri Bala region and Junaid Khan hails from Mathra village of Swabi district.

Aamir recalled that Yasir, now 28, was just 14 years old when he sprung on the scene as a talented leg-spinner in the district.

“There were no facilities across the region then and we knew little about the game. However, Yasir never gave up practice and his enthusiasm never waned,” added Aamir.

Yasir, who was also praised by his ideal Shane Warne for his “nice variations in bowling,” will soon join Pakistan greats like Abdul Qadir, Saqlin Mushtaq and Saeed Ajmal,” Aamir said.

Now, Yasir’s home is just a few yards away from Gohati Cricket Stadium, the only official cricket playground in the district, where all those who joined the first class and international cricket from the district practised.

Players like Junaid Khan and Fawad Ahmad have been role models for the young cricketers. Left-arm pacer Junaid’s sudden inclusion in Pakistan cricket World Cup squad in 2011 further inspired regional players as well as Yasir. Leg-spinner Fawad, who joined the Australian cricket team in 2013 after he was given the country’s citizenship, also belongs to Swabi district. He hails from Marghuz village.

In addition, Aqib Khan plays in the under-17 team and Zohaib Khan have got a place in the national under-19 team. Mir Azam, captain of Pakistan Army team, Fazal Rabi, Nasir Khan, Hamad Ali Shah, Khalid Usman, Babar Khan and Haroon Khan have all been playing first class cricket since the last few years and belong to different localities of the district.

Published in Dawn January 20th , 2015

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