KARACHI: Since the legendary Wasim Akram’s golden era, Pakistan seldom have been in dearth of quality left-arm pace bowlers. Mohammad Amir is now carrying the bastion as the country’s spearhead in international cricket while there have been several upcoming youngsters who are striving to make the grade.

Mir Hamza is the latest to hit the straps and his call up as one of 18 probables by the National Selection Committee, headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq, for the training camp in Lahore for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka is viewed as a move in the right direction as Pakistan aim to start a new chapter following the departure of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan.

Hamza, in an exclusive interview with Dawn on Sunday, expressed his sheer delight upon learning about his inclusion for the conditioning camp, which begins at Lahore’s National Cricket Academy from Tuesday.

“At this point in time I’ve no words, really, to say except that Allah Almighty has been extremely kind to me. The selectors obviously know better when they thought of me as one of the group [for the camp]. But for me, I would say it is a reward for the hard work I have been putting in to become what I’m now,” Hamza said.

Hamza is a product of the famous Karachi local side Pakistan Cricket Club, which has provided the national senior team several other top-class cricketers including current Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed and Test batsman Asad Shafiq to name a few.

“I have to give credit to the club that gave me the initial break when I took up playing at a level. Azam Khan [man behind unearthing new talent] has been wonderful and treats me like his own kid. Hs guidance and that club owner Nadeem Omar is one reason why I chose to play for them rather than try my luck elsewhere,” Hamza said.

Since making his debut at first-level for Karachi Whites against Lahore Shalimar at Karachi in December 2012, Hamza, who celebrated his 25th birthday on Sept 25, has made rapid strides to have an impressive tally of 216 wickets in just 46 matches at a commendable average of 19.15 an a strike rate of 41 balls per scalp.

Hamza, who plays for United Bank Limited, has his fair share of injuries but says that is all behind him.

“Like most fast bowlers I suffered on numerous occasions. But thanks to the untiring work put in by the physios and trainers, I have this ‘feel-good’ vibe these days. I had a good time during the high performance camp in Lahore during the summer where Mickey Arthur [Pakistan head coach] also saw me trying to improve my skills,” he said.

Hamza further revealed that he always wanted to be a cricketer and used to admire a lot of players.

“There was never a doubt in my mind that cricket would be my profession although I have a bachelor degree in mass communication and plans to do masters in public administration when time permits in the future, Hamza, who comes come a highly-educated family, pointed out.

Talking of his growth as a cricketer, Hamza believes he is destined to play at the highest level. “Oh definitely that is my ultimate dream to wear the exclusive green cap one day and be proud of it for the rest of my life.

“To come this far is something to cherish and if one continues to perform consistently then there is no reason of being ignored or not get a proper opportunity [to play] for the country,” he emphasised. “Nobody can predict what the future holds for you but hard work always pays and that’s my motto.”

Hamza already had some taste of international during several outings with Pakistan ‘A’ teams and fondly recalls a tour match against England in the UAE in October in 2015.

“It was actually a two-day practice match ahead of the Test series. But I had a great time since I not only claimed the wicket of Moeen Ali but later also dismissed Jonny Bairstow and Josh Buttler on successive deliveries. That is one of the highlights of my career so far,” Hamza concluded.

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2017