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ITF Junior Tennis Tournament reaches at quarterfinals stage
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
ISLAMABAD (December 1, 2020):- Mohammad Shoaib, Zalan Khan, Siddhartha Lama, Ruslan Serazhetdinov, Rohan Belday, Roy Keegan, Aki Zuben Rawat, and Alexander Karman moved into the quarterfinals by winning their respective matches of the second round of Boys Singles Event of the 2nd Leg of ITF Junior Tennis Tournament at PTF Tennis Complex Islamabad on Tuesday.
Zalan Khan, an upcoming player from Islamabad, caused a major upset in the tournament when he eliminated 3rd seeded player Aryan Giri of Nepal in a well contested two set match. Zalan won the first set at 6-4 by breaking 9th game of Aryan Giri. The second set was marked with beautiful passing shots, lobs and execution of superb volleys as the score went up to 6 all, as both the players held their respective serves and the set was decided in a hard-fought tie-break 10-8.
Top seed Mohammad Shoaib was in excellent touch and eliminated Raja Azan Ahmed Sajid without any resistance with the score of 6-2, 6-0. Alexandar Karman of the USA caused another major upset of the tournament, when he eliminated 2nd seed Ahmed Kamil of Pakistan in straight set at the score of 6-1, 6-3.
Results:
Boys Singles (Round-II):
Ruslan Serazhetdinov (RUS) beat Hamid Israr Gul (PAK) 6-4, 6-2
Zalan Khan (PAK) beat Aryan Giri (NEP) 6-4, 7-6(8)
Siddhartha Lama (USA) beat Aoi Ooka (JPN) 6-3, 6-2
Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Raja Azan Ahmed Sajid (PAK) 6-2, 6-0
Rohan Belday (USA) beat Mohammad Huzaifa Khan (PAK) 6-0, 6-2
Roy Keegan (GBR) beat Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP) 6-0, 6-1
Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) beat Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) 6-2,6-1
Alexander Karman (USA) beat Ahmed Kamil (PAK) 6-1, 6-3
Boys Doubles (Round-I):
Aryan Giri (NEP) / Siddhartha Lama (USA) beat Muhammad Hamza AASIM (PAK) / Yahya Luni (PAK) 6-1, 6-1
Mahatir Mohammad Khan (PAK) / Hasheesh Kumar (PAK) beat Raja Azan Ahmed Sajid (PAK) / Ryaan Khawaja Saud (USA) 6-0, 6-1
Rohan Belday (USA) / Alexander Karman (USA) beat Ahmad Nael Qureshi (PAK) / Huzaima Abdul Rehman (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
Abdullah (PAK) / Aoi Ooka (JPN) beat Nalain Abbas (PAK) / Saim Choudhry (PAK) 6-1, 6-3
Zalan Khan (PAK) / Ruslan Serazhetdinov (RUS) beat Bilal Asim (PAK) / Abdul Hanan (PAK) 6-2, 6-3
Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP) / Zuben Rawat (NEP) beat Sami Zeb Khan (PAK) / Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) 6-2, 6-2
Hamid Israr Gul (PAK) / Roy Keegan (GBR) beat Mohammad Huzaifa Khan (PAK) / Mohammad Talha Khan (PAK) 6-0, 6-1
Girls Singles (Quarter-Finals):
Margarita Okhendovskaya (Ukraine) beat Labika Durab (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
Arina Valitova (RUS) beat Zahara Suleman (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
Zoha Asim (PAK) beat Saher Aleem (PAK) 6-2, 6-0
Abhilasha Bista (NEP) beat Maleeha Khalid (PAK) 6-1, 6-0
Girls Doubles Quarter-Final Matches:
Sajid Sheeza (PAK) / Ekaterina Suvorova (RUS) beat Labika Durab (PAK) / Mahrukh Farooqui (PAK) 6-3-, 6-3
Maleeha Khalid (PAK) / Zahara Suleman (PAK) beat Zara Khan (PAK) / Fatima Ali Raja (PAK) 7-5, 6-4.
Challengers win National Triangular T20 Women Championship
Haroon Zulfiqar
ISLAMABAD (December 1, 2020):-PCB Challengers outclassed PCB Dynamites by seven runs in a thrilling final of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship 2020 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
Besides lifting the glittering trophy, the PCB Challengers team that remained undefeated in the tournament also pocketed PKR1million as the winning prize. PCB Dynamites had to settle for a PKR500, 000 runners-up cash prize.
On Tuesday afternoon, PCB Dynamites were set a 134-run target, they fought hard but eventually finished their quota of 20 overs at 126 for six as the PCB Challengers bowlers and fielders led by a fine spell of two wickets for 21 runs by Aroob Shah defended the score to ensure the title for their side.
Opener Nahida Khan top-scored for the PCB Dynamites with 39 off 37 balls (three fours, two sixes), however she failed to convert her start into a match winning effort. Kainat Imtiaz chipped in with an unbeaten 32 off 29 balls (two fours) while Hafsa Khalid made a 20-run (22 balls) contribution (three fours).
Kainat who gave an all-round performance throughout the tournament (111 runs and three wickets) was adjudged as the player-of-the-tournament and awarded PKR50,000.
Aimen Anwar took one wicket for 23 runs in her four overs, Fatima Sana also took one wicket as she provided adequate all-round support to her side following her unbeaten 24-run contribution with the bat in the PCB Challengers innings.
Earlier, PCB Challengers posted 133 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. After losing the crucial wicket of Pakistan captain and ace batter Bismah Maroof (18 off 12 balls) to a run out, PCB Challengers mixed caution with aggression as they accumulated a competitive total.
Kainat Hafeez who was later adjudged the player-of-the-match, top-scored with 31 off 27 balls, her innings included three fours and one six. Fatima faced 22 balls for her 24 which included a six and a four.
Subhana Tariq was the most successful bowler for PCB Dynamites despite giving away 37 runs in her four overs. She picked three wickets, Ramin Shameem and Nashra Sandhu took a wicket apiece.
Scores in brief:
PCB Challengers 133-7, 20 overs (Kainat Hafeez 31, Fatima Sana 24 not out; Subhana Tariq 3-37)
PCB Dynamites 126-6, 20 overs (Nahida Khan 39, Kainat Imtiaz 32 not out; Aroob Shah 2-21)
Result: PCB Challengers won by seven runs
Player-of-the-match: Kainat Hafeez
Player-of-the-tournament: Kainat Imtiaz
ITF Juniors Tennis: Seven Pakistani Boys move into second round
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
ISLAMABAD (November 30, 2020):-Besides, top seed Mohammad Shoaib six other Pakistani guys moved into the second round of Boys Singles Event of the 2nd Leg of ITF Junior Tennis Tournament after beating their opponents on Monday here at PTF Tennis Complex.
Total 21 matches were decided on the opening day in the event of boys and girls singles main draw. All the seeded players moved into the second round by winning their respective matches in state sets, except the match between Ruslan and Mahatir Mohammad Khan that won by overseas player 2-1 in the well-contested match of the day.
The other best match of the day was played between Subhan bin Salik of Pakistan and Aki Zuban Rawat of Nepal. Subhan won the first set at 7-5, after breaking 11th game of Rawat in the first set. Rawat won the second set at 6-4 by breaking 10th game of Subhan bin Salik at the score of 0-40, by hitting some shots down the line. In the final set Rawat was in full command and didn’t allow Subhan to settle down throughout the set with his powerful forehand and backhand drives and won the final set at 6-1 by breaking 4th and 6th game of Subhan.
Khawar Hyat Khan Senior Executive Vice President along with Saeed Ahmed Khan Senior Vice President visited the PTF complex and witnessed the matches besides; inaugurating the second leg of the ITF Junior Tournament. They also interacted with foreign players and appreciated the efforts of the organizers for smooth conduct of the event and strict implementation of the SOPs.
Results:
Boys Singles (Round-I):
1. Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Bilal Asim (PAK) 6-2, 6-1
2. Hamid Israr Gul (SNGPL) (PAK) beat Abdul Hanan (PAK) 6-2, 6-2
3. Ruslan Serazhetdinov (RUS) beat Mahatir Mohammad Khan (PAK) 6-3, 5-7, 6-2
4. Aryan Giri (NEP) beat Ahmad Nael Qureshi (PAK) 6-3, 6-2
5. Ahmed Kamil (PAK) beat Abdullah. (PAK) 6-2, 7-6(1)
6. Zalan Khan (PAK) beat Yahya Luni (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
7. Siddhartha Lama (USA) beat Mohammad Talha Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-4
8. Aoi Ooka (JPN) beat Sami Zeb Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-1
9. Rohan Belday (USA) beat Huzaima Abdul Rehman (PAK) 6-1, 6-0
10. Roy Keegan (GBR) beat Hasheesh Kumar (PAK) 7-5, 6-2
11. Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) beat Saim Choudhry (PAK) 6-1, 6-2
12. Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) beat Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) 5-7, 6-4, 6-1
13. Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP) beat Mustansir Ali Khan Barons (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
14. Mohammad Huzaifa Khan (PAK) beat Mohammad Hamza Aasim (PAK) 6-2, 6-2
15. Alexander Karman (USA) beat Nalain Abbas (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
16. Raja Azan Ahmed Sajid (PAK) beat Ryaan Khawaja Saud (USA) 6-0, 6-3
Girls Singles 1st Round Matches:
1. Zahara Suleman (PAK) beat Fatima Ali Raja (PAK) 6-3, 6-1
2. Labika Durab (PAK) beat Mahrukh Farooqui (PAK) 6-3, 6-2
3. Maleeha Khalid (PAK) beat Sheeza Sajid (PAK) 6-1, 6-4
4. Zoha Asim (PAK) beat Ekaterina Suvorova (RUS) 6-4, 6-2
5. Saher Aleem (PAK) beat Zara Khan (PAK) 6-4, 6-4.
Top seed Shoaib wins the ITF Junior Tennis Championship
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
ISLAMABAD (November 28, 2020):-Top seed local tennis player, Mohammad Shoaib clinched the ITF Junior Tennis Championship title after beating his opponent Rohan Belday from United States of America (USA) 2-1 in the final at PTF Tennis Complex on Saturday. The final score-line was 4-6, 6-3 and 6-2.
In the Boys Singles final, Mohammad Shoaib of Pakistan overcame Rohan Belday from USA 2-1 after losing the first set at 4-6. After going down, Shoaib fought back brilliantly and won the second set at 6-3. In the third and final set, Shoaib displayed excellent skills of the game and played powerful stroke from down the line. He finished the set at 6-2, as the final score-line was 4-6, 6-3 and 6-2.
Salim Saifullah Khan President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) graced the occasion as guest of honour along with Tariq Mehmood Murtaza (Chairman RDA) to distribute the prizes amongst the winners. At this occasion, Salim Saifullah appreciated the role of General Tyres in promotion of tennis in collaboration with PTF. He also appreciated the sponsors and the tournament organizers for conducting such an excellent event. He praised the role of media for promotion of sports in Pakistan and especially game of tennis.
Results:
Boys Singles (Final):
Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Rohan Belday (USA) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2
Boys Doubles (Final):
Rohan Belday (USA)/Alexander Karman (USA) beat Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP)/Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) 6-3, 6-1
Girls Singles (Final):
Arina Valitova (RUS) beat Abhilasha Bista (NEP) 6-1, 6-0
Girls Doubles (Final):
Abhilasha Bista (NEP)/ Arina Valitova (RUS) beat Zoha Asim (PAK)/ Ekaterina Suvorova (RUS) 6-2, 6-0
Results (Qualifying Round Tournament II):
Boys Singles Qualifying Matches Week II:
Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP) beat Ryaan Khawaja Saud (USA) 6-0, 6-0
Aoi Ooka (JPN) beat Saeed Ahmad Suleman (PAK) 6-0, 6-1
PCB Challengers register thrilling win over PCB Blasters
SPORTS REPORT
ISLAMABAD (November 28, 2020):-PCB Challengers overcame PCB Blasters by five runs in the fifth match of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The thrilling match was decided on the last ball as the PCB Blasters finished their chase of 158 runs at 152 for six.
The defeat has ended PCB Blasters hopes of a place in the championship’s final, which will be now played between PCB Challengers and PCB Dynamites on Tuesday, 1 December. PCB Blasters openers Javeria Khan and Sidra Amin provided a 59-run stand. Sidra was dismissed for 18 runs. Javeria held the innings together with 56 off 47 balls as she hit eight fours.
Captain Aliya Riaz kept PCB Blasters in the hunt with 37 off 31 balls before she was run out on the penultimate ball as her side fell agonisingly short of the target. Sidra Nawaz (19 off 12 balls) was the other significant contributor in the PCB Blasters total. Bismah Maroof, Saba Nazir and Fatima Sana took a wicket apiece for the victorious side.
Batting first, after winning the toss, PCB Challengers posted 157 for seven. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof led the way for her side with 61 off 48 balls. Bismah, later adjudged player-of-the-match, took the attack to the PCB Blasters as she hit nine fours and one six.
Besides Bismah, Fatima Sana was the other notable run-getter. She hit four fours and one six in her 41 off 33 balls. She along with Bismah took the team past the 150-run mark after they had stuttered to 87 for five in the 12th over.
Bismah and Fatima added 54 runs for the sixth-wicket.
Hafsa Amjad with three wickets for 27 runs was the most successful bowler for PCB Blasters.
Scores in brief:
PCB Challengers 157-7, 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 61, Fatima Sana 41, Kainat Hafeez 22; Hafsa Amjad 3-27)
PCB Blasters 152-6, 20 overs (Javeria Khan 56, Aliya Riaz 37; Bismah Maroof 1-10)
Result: PCB Challengers won by five runs
Player-of-the-match: Bismah Maroof
Next match: PCB Challengers v PCB Dynamites – Sunday
World Blind Cricket elects Syed Sultan Shah its new president
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
ISLAMABAD (November 28, 2020):-The World Blind Cricket (WBC) on Saturday elected Syed Sultan Shah its new president for the next tenure of 2-year in the 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) that was conducted through video link due to COVID-19.
The elections of the Executive Committee of World Blind Cricket were also held during the AGM. The representatives of ten full member countries participated in the meeting.
Syed Sultan Shah has been elected unopposed as the President of WBCL for the term of next two years. The newly elected Executive Committee of World Blind Cricket Ltd comprises of the following,
Syed Sultan Shah, who is the Chairman of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, remained the President of World Blind Cricket twice earlier from 2012-2014 and 2014-2016. This will be his 3rd term in this premiere role.
The General Manager of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council Maher Yousaf Haroon has been elected for the 4th consecutive time for the position of “Director Technical” World Blind Cricket.
Names of new elected office bearers of WBC
Syed Sultan Shah (Pakistan) President
Bhawani Persad (West Indies) First Vice President
Rajnesh Henry (India) Second Vice President
Raymond Moxly (Australia) Secretary General
Pawan Ghimire (Nepal) Director Finance
David John (India) Director Global Development
Maher Yousaf Haroon (Pakistan) Director Technical
ITF Juniors Tennis Championship: Shoaib reaches in semi
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
ISLAMABAD (November 26, 2020):-Top seed Mohammad Shoaib overpowered Alexander Karman 2-0 in the first quarterfinal of the Boys’ Singles event of ITF Juniors Tennis Championship 2020 at PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Thursday. The final score-line was 7-5 and 6-2.
Also, Roy Keegan (GBR), Hamid Israr (PAK) and Rohan Belday (USA) moved into the semifinals after beating their respective opponents at same venue.
Results:
Boys Singles (Round-II):
Zalan KHAN (PAK) beat Mohammad Talha Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-1
Siddhartha LAMA (USA) beat Sami Zeb KHAN (PAK) 7-5, 6-1
Rohan BELDAY (USA) beat Abdullah (PAK) 6-1, 6-1
Ahmed Kamil (PAK) beat Aki Zuben RAWAT (NEP) 6-4, 6-4
Boys Singles (Quarterfinals):
Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Alexander Karman (USA) 7-5, 6-2
Roy Keegan (GBR) beat Zalan KHAN (PAK) 6-3, 6-3
Hamid Israr (PAK) beat Siddhartha LAMA (USA) 6-1, 6-3
Rohan BELDAY (USA) beat Ahmed Kamil (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
Boys Doubles (Quarterfinals):
Zalan KHAN (PAK)/Sami Zeb Khan (PAK) beat Saim CHOUDRY(PAK)/Hamid Israr (PAK) 6-3, 6-3
Rohan BELDAY (USA)/Alexander KARMAN (USA) beat Aryan GIRI (NEP)/ Siddhartha Lama (USA) 6-4, 7-5
Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP)/Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) beat Abdullah (PAK)/Ahmad Nael Qureshi (PAK) 6-2, 6-2
Roy Keegan (GBR)/Aoi Ooka (JPN) beat Ahmed Kamil (PAK)/ Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) 6-2, 6-1
Girls Singles (Quarterfinal):
Ekaterina Suvorova (RUS) beat SHEEZA Sajid (PAK) 6-0, 6-2
Arina Valitova (RUS) beat Saher ALEEM (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
Zoha Asim (PAK) beat Labika DURAB (PAK) 6-1, 6-1
Abhilasha Bista (NEP) bt Zahara SULEMAN (PAK) 6-2, 6-0
Girls Doubles (Quarterfinals):
Saher ALEEM (PAK)/SHEEZA Sajid (PAK) bt Shimza DURAB (PAK)/Zahara SULEMAN (PAK) 7-5, 6-4
Zara Khan (PAK)/Fatima Ali RAJA (PAK) bt Labika DURAB (PAK)/Mahrukh FAROOQUI (PAK) 2-6, 6-1, (10-6).
ITF Juniors Tennis Championship: Hamid topples Aryan Giri 2-0
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
ISLAMABAD (November 24, 2020):-Local guy Hamid Israr Gul toppled Aryan Giri from Nepal 2-0 in a well-contested two sets game in the second round of Boys’ Singles discipline of the ITF Juniors Tennis Championship 2020 at PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Tuesday. Hamid Israr beat his opponent Aryan Giri with the score-line of 7-6(3) and 6-4.
Some exciting and excellent display of tennis was witnessed during this match, as both the players showed the best skills of the game. Hamid Israr caused the major upset in the tournament when he eliminated 3rd Seed Aryan Giri of Nepal in a two set match.
Similarly, Abdullah an upcoming player of (Pakistan) exhibited great potential by beating Aoi Ooka of Japan in another good match of the day. Top Seed Shoaib of Pakistan was in an excellent form, outclassed his opponent Aarav Samrat Hada also from Nepal by playing excellent tennis.
Results (Boy’s Singles Round-I):
Abdul Hanan (PAK) beat Mohammad Hamza Aasim (PAK) 6-3, 6-4
Zalan Khan (PAK) beat Huzaima Abdul Rehman (PAK) 6-3, 6-0
Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) beat Yahya Luni (PAK) 6-0, 6-1
Sami Zeb Khan (PAK) beat Mahatir Mohammad Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-4
Abdullah Khan (PAK) beat Aoi Ooka (JPN) 6-4, 6-4
Boys Singles (Round-II):
Hamid Israr Gul (PAK) beat Aryan Giri (NEP) 7-6(3), 6-4
Alexander Karman (USA) beat Mohammad Huzaifa Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-1
Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Aarav Samrat Had (NEP) 6-0, 6-4
Roy Keegan (GBR) beat Abdul Hanan (PAK) 6-0, 6-1
Girls Singles (Round-I):
Saher Aleem (PAK) beat Zara Khan (PAK) 7-6(7), 6-2
Labika Durab (PAK) beat Mahrukh Farooqi (PAK) 6-2, 6-3
Sheeza Sajid (PAK) beat Fatima Ali Raja (PAK) 7-5, 6-1
Zahara Suleman (PAK) beat Shimza Durab (PAK) 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3
Boys Doubles (Round-I):
Roy Keegan (GBR), Aoi Ooka (JPN) beat Nalain Abbas (PAK), Mahatir Mohammad Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-1
Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP), Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) beat Mohammad Hamza Aasim (PAK), Raja Azan Ahmed Sajjad (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
Rohan Belday (USA), Alexander Karman (USA) beat Mohammad Huzaifa Khan (PAK), Mohammad Talha Khan (PAK) 6-1, 6-1
Saim Choudhary (PAK), Hamid Israr (PAK) w/o Huzaima Abdul Rehman (PAK), Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK)
Aryan Giri (NEP), Siddhartha Lama (USA) beat Bilal Asim (PAK), Abdul Hanan (PAK) 6-1, 6-4.
ITF Juniors Tennis Championship: Huzaifa overcomes Ahmed Qureshi
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
ISLAMABAD (November 23, 2020):-Mohammad Huzaifa Khan overcame compatriot Ahmad Nael Queshi 2-1 in a well-contested three-set match In the first round fixture of ITF Juniors Tennis Championship 2020 on Monday here at PTF Tennis Complex. The final score-line was 6-0, 3-6 and 6-0.
As many as eight matches were decided on the 1st day of international juniors’ tennis showpiece. The thrilling match was witnessed between Huzaifa Khan and Ahmed Qureshi that finished after three sets fuss while rest of seven matches were decided in straight sets.
Owing the bad weather of capital city Islamabad some matches of Round-I will be played on Tuesday at same venue.
Results (Boy’s Singles Round-I):-
Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP) beat Saim Choudhary (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
Alexander Kamran (USA) beat Nalain ABBAS (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
Mohammad Huzaifa Khan (PAK) beat Ahmad Nael Queshi (PAK) 6-0, 3-6, 6-0
Siddhartha Lama (USA) beat Bilal Asim (PAK) 6-0, 6-0
Roy Keegan (GBR) beat Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) 6-0, 6-1
Mohammad Talha Khan (PAK) beat Ryaan Khawaja Saud (USA) 6-0, 6-0
Hamid Israr Gul (PAK) beat Raja Azan Ahmed Sajjad (PAK) 6-1, 6-1
Rohan Belday (USA) beat Jarrar Hussain (PAK) 6-0, 6-1.
Hasan Raza welcomes introduction of minimum age restriction for players
By BIPIN DANI
Records (in cricket) are meant to be broken but former Pakistani batsman Hasan Raza's record of being the youngest Test player will not break now.
The ICC has announced 15 years as the minimum age to become an international cricketer which will enable former Pakistani batsman Hasan Raza to continue to hold the record.
Raza was 14 y 227 days old when he was picked to play against Zimbabwe at Faisalabad on 24th October 1996.
"The ICC has done the right thing. This I am not telling because my record is intact but I believe players only become mentally strong and matured after fifteen years of age. It is good from a safety point of view also that the players play when they are matured", Hasan Raza, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Islamabad, said on Sunday morning.
"When I was playing for Pakistan, Windies' fast bowler Courtney Walsh with 400 Test wickets was also playing. He was really fast and it was very difficult for a young bowler to face him". Raza faced him in the ODIs.
"Yes, I was invited to make my debut early. This was because my performance in the school drew the attention of the selectors. Wasim Akram was my first Test captain and the Test cap to me was awarded by Mushtaq Mohammad, whose record (15 y 124 days) only I broke 38 years later".
Raza, 38 now, is running a cricket academy in Islamabad. "My aim is to make young cricketers for our country and I am fully devoted to it", he added.
Hasan Raza is aware about the fact that few Pakistani players have faced controversy in their real age. "This is because there was no age proof and certificates in earlier days. Now we all have National Identity Cards.
In the meantime, India's renowned cricket statistician Mohandas menon has provided the names of the following players, who played T-20s at a very young age.
In Women's cricket: Nia Greig of Jersey Women was just 11y-40d when she made her T20I debut vs France Women at Nantes on 31 Jul 2019
In Men's cricket: Marian Gherasim of Romania was 14y-16d when he made his T20I debut vs Bulgaria at Ilfov County on 16 Oct 2020
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