Key Upcoming Prospects In Pakistani Cricket
I know: tl;dr.
The world cup is over for Pakistan. Besides a Sarfraz ton here and a Riaz bouncer there (Watson can tell you all about that), the successes were far and few between. It was not the kind of outing anyone would have hoped for, but is there light at the end of the tunnel? Some will say 'no!', while the optimists will claim yes. I will look to provide a more unbiased position, but I'm sure that's impossible as a fan of Pakistani cricket.
This thread is going to accumulate all of the best prospects in the nation (according to me!) so please bear with me. Pakistani cricket has to begin taking a look at this talent as soon as the next series. Do all of them get a look? Probably not. Yet, at least 3-4 of them should be getting a shot as soon as next month in my opinion.
I will only be mentioning younger prospects. There are many others who have already either played for the national team and/or are too old to make this list. I will mention some of them at the end. If I have missed someone, please do forgive me.
*All thoughts on prospects are personal opinion upon watching them. Please don't consider this as a professional scouting report.*
Potential Openers
Sami Aslam
Let's begin with one of the best openers going in the nation at the moment with regards to youngsters. Age is not the only thing he's got going for him. He's peaking at a time where Pakistan has minimal opening options beyond Hafeez and Shahzad.
He's an exuberant player with a delightful sense of style to his batting. Perhaps, top of the list when it comes to prospect openers.
Strengths: Adapts Well, Pressure Player, Excellent Straight Driver, Leadership Potential
Weaknesses: Weak Horizontal Bat Shots, Doesn't Rotate Strike Well
Babar Azam
He might be the most vouched for and anticipated prospect in the nation at the moment. All who have watched him play can only cite positives about his batting approach, style, and overall game. His inclusion is more about when rather than how.
Strengths: Technically Sound, Handy Bowler, Sharp Fielder, Consistent Run Maker, Rotates Strike Well, Leadership Qualities In Abundance
Weaknesses: Can Become Impatient At Crease, Needs Work On Power Game
Imran Butt
The last of the opening prospects, he's just as good as the rest mentioned here. The only thing going against him would be his lack of domestic experience. This might hold him back for a year or so until he gains more traction. He's down the pecking order, but quite the talent in his own regard.
Strengths: Patient At Crease, Nimble Technique, Good Fielder
Weaknesses: Lacks Power Game
Potential Middle Order
Umar Waheed
He's a highly touted prospect with regards to the middle order. Is he ready? Perhaps not. There is work to do, but the talent is there and anyone who has watched him bat can attest to this.
Strengths: Patient at crease, Good Fielder, High cricket IQ
Weaknesses: Sometimes Overcautious, Doesn't Convert Runs Into 'Big' Runs,
Mukhtar Ahmed
His name doesn't get brought up as much as some of the other prospects in the region. He's had just as much success as the rest and has quietly built himself into quite the intriguing prospect. He can easily surprise everyone if he has another great season.
Strengths: Simple Technique, Good Power Game, Good Fielder
Weaknesses: Overaggressive at times, Needs Work Against Swing
Imam Ul Haq
He's young and he's got talent to spare. Pakistan hasn't done too poorly supporting those with the last name "Ul Haq" and he's looking to be another that is right up there with regards to talent. Perhaps, a little off before debuting with the national team, but he's one to look out for.
Strengths: Simple High Quality Technique, Good Fielder, Soaks Up Pressure Well
Weaknesses: Becomes Impatient At Crease, No Power Game
Potential Wicket Keepers
Mohammad Rizwan
He's the first of two names that stand out with regards to Pakistani wicketkeepers. Sarfraz Ahmed is currently holding a spot in the team and rightfully so, but Mohammad Rizwan is right on his tail. He's got more than enough talent to push Sarfraz and keep things competitive.
Strengths: Great Batting Approach, Solid Wicketkeeping Technique, Consistent Performer, High Cricket IQ
Weaknesses: Needs Work On Power Game
Umar Siddiq
The second potential wicketkeeper prospect on this list is Umar Siddiq. He is not as much of a specialist as Mohammad Rizwan, but he's got more than enough talent to hold his own at the position. His batting abilities stand out immediately and for some he could make the team alone based on this with the frail Pakistani middle order.
Strengths: Solid batting technique, Consistent Performer, Patient Batsman, Good Fielder
Weaknesses Makeshift Keeper, Needs Work On Keeping Technique
Potential Bowlers
Zafar Gohar
He's the top spinning prospect in the nation after Raza Hasan. A very talented slow left arm bowling with the ability to only get better as time goes on. He's perhaps one of those prospects where the weaknesses are almost impossible to find. I had to nit pick just to find anything to say about him. He's that good. Him and Raza Hasan are going to spoil us when it comes to spinning talent.
Strengths: Beautiful Turner Of Ball, Excellent Control, High Cricket IQ, Good Batsman (All rounder Potential)
Weaknesses: Could Implement More Force At Crease For Even More Turn
Zia Ul Haq
We love our left arm pacers and he's right up there with regards to talent. He's got the pace and swing to help beat the best and for some he might be the hottest pace prospect in the country. Does he have it in him to make the ball talk enough though? There are issues to work out before he cracks the team, but he's on the right track.
Strengths: Excellent Pace, Simple Action, Swings Ball Both Ways
Weaknesses: Highly Inconsistent, Average Fielder, Low Cricket IQ At Times
Mohammad Aftab
This is another pace sensation that has received attention. He was able to get into the Under 19 team because of the attention he received. There is a lot of talent, but it requires quite a bit of work in order for him to reach the national team down the road.
Strengths: Great Pace, Plays With Passion, Great Learner, Swings Ball Both Ways, Mohammad Amir Clone (action wise)
Weaknesses: Inconsistent, Average Run Up
Irfanullah Shah
To end the list, Ifranullah Shah is a great name to bring up. He's tall and he can bowl. A consistent performer with loads of talent.
Strengths: Good Bounce To His Deliveries, Simple Technique, Good Pace (140-142 KPH)
Weaknesses: Needs Work On Swinging Ball, Average Fielder
Additional Notables
Usman Qadir
Sadaf Hussain
Kamran Ghulam
Usama Mir
Fakhar Zaman
Sadaf Hussain
