5 Rising Stars of Pakistan Cricket to Watch Out For

Mehran Mumtaz made his mark on the cricketing scene after representing his country in the Under-19 World Cup in 20222 and the Emerging Asia Cup last year.

During the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9, Mumtaz donned the colours of Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam.

The 20-year-old left-arm spinner showcased his talent by claiming five wickets in five games. His remarkable performance was highlighted by an impressive economy rate of 6.63, coupled with an average of 25.2 wickets per game.

As seasoned players like Imad Wasim are ageing and others like Mohammad Nawaz are facing confidence issues, the emergence of talents like Mumtaz presents a promising opportunity for Pakistan’s national team.

Faisal Akram, a talented left-arm wrist spinner, showcased his potential while representing Multan Sultans. Previously selected by Karachi Kings in 2022, Akram spent the past two seasons on the bench.

However, his fortunes changed after he emerged as the fifth-highest wicket-taker with an impressive tally of 20 wickets in just 3 matches during the President’s Trophy Grade I.

He made his PSL debut for the Sultans, but despite limited opportunities his performances in the two games were noteworthy, where he secured two crucial wickets.

His displays underscored his ability to address Pakistan’s spin bowling challenges, hinting at a promising future for the young spinner. With such potential and early success, Akram is poised to make a significant impact in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape in the years to come.

Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, a 22-year-old budding talent, captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts after being selected by the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL Draft.

Known for their astute scouting, the Gladiators’ decision to pick Nafay, especially from Karachi’s Orangi Town, highlighted their knack for unearthing promising players.

Nafay made a memorable entry onto the PSL stage during a thrilling encounter against Lahore Qalandars. In a chase of 188 runs, he played a pivotal role, smashing an unbeaten 60 off just 31 deliveries.

While he may not have replicated this standout performance in subsequent matches, Nafay’s initial display showcased his immense potential.

With the right guidance and nurturing, he possesses the capability to address Pakistan’s middle-order concerns, offering a promising solution for the national team’s batting lineup.

Omair Bin Yousuf, a 25-year-old cricket sensation from Karachi, draws inspiration from the legendary Muhammad Yousuf.

During Pakistan Shaheen’s tour to Zimbabwe, Yousuf proved his mettle by emerging as the leading run-scorer, amassing a staggering 348 runs in just three innings.

Continuing his stellar form in the white-ball series against Zimbabwe, Yousuf secured the second spot on the batting charts with 275 runs from four matches.

Representing Quetta Gladiators in PSL 9, Yousuf exhibited his potential with a notable contribution of 97 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 32.33, including a crucial half-century.

With such consistent and remarkable performances, it appears inevitable that Omair Bin Yousuf will soon earn his spot in Pakistan’s national team, realizing his lifelong dream of donning the national colours on the international stage.