Spin prodigy Muhammad Asghar living the Pakistani dream

Left-arm spinner has made it to the national Test squad at tender age of 17

KARACHI: Making it to Pakistan's Test team is the dream of almost every teenager in the country, but for young Muhammad Asghar that dream has turned into reality.

The left-arm spinner, who turns 18 on December 28, was last week selected as the 17th member of Pakistan's Test squad for the upcoming three-match series in Australia as cover for injured leg-spinner Yasir Shah.



Asghar first turned heads during the first edition of the Pakistan Super League when he claimed 11 wickets for Peshawar Zalmi.

And despite just 17 first-class matches under his belt, the Chaman-born has done enough to impress chief selector Inzamamul Haq, who was even considering the youngster for New Zealand tour.

But with Yasir closing in on full fitness and his understudy Muhammad Nawaz performing admirably in the three-day tour match, Asghar's chances of making the cut for the opening Test are slim, although just being in contention is a proud moment for him.

"It’s a dream come true,” Asghar told The Express Tribune.  “To be among the cricketers I’ve admired all my life will be a very proud moment for me.”

Asghar further said that he is full of confidence and ready to make his Test debut in tough conditions Down Under. “Australia are one of the world’s toughest teams but if I get a chance I am confident I will lift the team with my performances," said Asghar. “I am thankful to the selectors for giving me a chance and I will leave no stone unturned in proving them right.”

‘Asghar has all ingredients of a world class bowler’

Former Test cricketer Iqbal Qasim, who was the first to give Asghar a chance in competitive cricket when he selected him for the National Bank’s U-19 team a couple of years ago, described the spinner as a complete bowler.

“Asghar has all the ingredients of becoming a lethal spinner in international cricket,” said Qasim. “He is a natural talent and has plenty of confidence. Asghar’s fearless approach has always impressed me. He is always hungry for a wicket."

Qasim went on to lavish more praise on the youngster. “Asghar is a determined cricketer. He belongs to a poor family and used to come from Hub to Karachi daily for the team’s cricket activities,” he recalled before adding that he can deliver goods in Australia. “If given a chance he can do well but it would be a challenge for him to create problems for the Aussie batsmen.”

Former bowling coach Mohammad Akram was similarly effusive in his praise for Asghar and tipped him to do wonders with the ball.

“Only a year ago he emerged as a budding talent on the domestic scene. I was really impressed by his approach, bowling skills and confidence and felt that he could be an asset for Pakistan in the years ahead,” said the former Pakistan cricketer who is also serving as director cricket and head coach of Peshawar Zalmi.

“Credit to Asghar too for his hard work, dedication and commitment to the game and I wish him the very best on his maiden Test tour.”

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