Shamyl Hussain's rise from U13 cricket to PSL glory

Emerging cricketer Shamyl Hussain talks about his path to the PSL

KARACHI:

Emerging Pakistani cricketer Shamyl Hussain recently shared insights into his cricketing journey, which began with family games and culminated in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) triumph, in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan.

"My father played a bit of first-class cricket, but unfortunately, he got injured before I was born," Hussain recounted. The 19-year-old's cricketing journey started early, progressing through the youth levels under the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

"My father loved cricket, and my uncles also played the sport. I started playing with a hard ball at the age of six or seven, even though my official journey began at U13. My family and I used to play cricket together in our lawn, and gradually, I progressed to playing U13 cricket for PCB, followed by three years in U16, and then three years in U19. Last year, I played in the Asia Cup, then the World Cup, and eventually the PSL," he shared.

Hussain, the son of renowned Pakistani journalist Talat Hussain, emphasised that his father's profession did not influence his cricketing path.

"My father's profession has no connection with mine. He's a journalist, and I'm a cricketer. Cricket is a fair game; if you don't work hard, you can't progress. It doesn’t matter who your father is," he stated.

Reflecting on his favourite innings, Shamyl mentioned his match-winning 75-run knock against Afghanistan in the 2023 Under-19 Asia Cup.

"My favourite inning was in the Asia Cup against Afghanistan, where I made 75 runs. That inning got me into the Pakistan Super League. The next day, the PSL draft came, and Islamabad United picked me," he recounted.

As part of Islamabad United, which won its third PSL trophy this year, Shamyl valued the experience even though he didn't play in a match.

"Being part of the PSL was an unbelievable experience. I am thankful to Islamabad United for picking me. My family was overjoyed. It was such a great time, playing alongside players you look up to. Winning was a different experience altogether, especially when Hunain [Shah] scored the last run, and the fireworks went off. It was an overall unbelievable experience," he said.

Shamyl praised the environment at Islamabad United, describing it as very positive and inclusive.

"The atmosphere at Islamabad United was very positive. There was no distinction between seniors and juniors; everyone was equal. It was a very friendly environment, like elder brothers," he noted.

Regarding his long-term goals, Shamyl expressed his desire to play for Pakistan but with a unique approach.

"My long-term goals are obviously to play for Pakistan, but I have a bit of a different approach. I want to show the world my ability, the hard work I've put in since childhood, whether it's on any stage, league, or national team. I want to enjoy cricket and not play it like a job," he emphasised.