[PICTURES] Niaz Khan: Dynamic right-arm pacer

[FearlessRoar]

Niaz Khan is a Pakistani cricketer who has played first-class cricket for Peshawar since the 2023–24 season.

Khan was born in Swat. A right-arm medium-fast bowler and useful tail-end batsman, he took 5 for 53 on his first-class debut for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the 2021–22 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Representing Peshawar from 2023–24 in the revamped Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, he was the competition's leading wicket-taker when Peshawar finished second in 2024–25, with 39 wickets at an average of 20.13. In the final, he took 5 for 61 and 4 for 51 when Peshawar lost by one wicket to Sialkot.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Niaz Khan was named the Player of the Tournament in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy!

He was the highest wicket-taker, picking up 39 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 20.

 

[Xoib]

I saw him looks ok but not international standard

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

This is the highest domestic performers action from the side pose. I know it's extremely difficult to have a braced front leg but this is bad as he is losing all his height.

Below are some side angles of fast bowlers from the past (IK & Holding). It's just an example to show that a bowler needs to maximize their height as much as possible. Yes not everyone has a braced leg and success comes in many forms but having this is a massive bonus. Mind you, this was from a time when IKs action hadn't reached the final form so he kept improving his action.

 

[jamie smith]

what is his bowling speed,is he another trundler??

 

[Bewal Express]

He also falls away. Needs to stay more upright but amongst the domestic guys he is amongst the best. He can also bat and would make a useful 9

 

[Bewal Express]

what is his bowling speed,is he another trundler??

Around 83mph.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Thompson, Holding, Imran, (top 3 in terms of pace) Sarfaraz, Croft all have that perfect braced leg.

 

[Bewal Express]

Thompson, Holding, Imran, (top 3 in terms of pace) Sarfaraz, Croft all have that perfect braced leg.


View attachment 149343

It needs to be done as kid. Very difficult to change when you fully set with your action

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

It needs to be done as kid. Very difficult to change when you fully set with your action

My point isn't that he can get it fixed now or not btw. It's just that there are some characteristics that if you have as a bowler, you have a higher chance to succeed. Hyperextension/hyperflexion in your body is generally not good but in terms of bowling it's a good trait to have and the more degrees you have, the more chance you have to succeed. Similarly if you have a braced leg & you don't fall away in your bowling stride, you have a higher chance to be a good bowler. Most of the up & coming Pak bowlers are also stiff & do not look or feel proper athletes, you need to have that fluid running ability to become a bowler & they look so stodgy & stiff.

I'm not trying to put the boy down here, only explaining that the current Pak bowlers have terrible actions & also they aren't tall so when I look at any of them critically, it's hard to get excited about them no matter what their domestic statistics are.

Akif & Ali Raza are the only two bowlers who excite me a little right now. Ihsanullah & Zeeshan Zameer too but I'm not sure how they are doing post injuries & in Zameers case I don't know if his flex is within the legal limits of bowling. There's also one from Multan Sultans who has an action similar to Brett Lee but man got terribly unlucky in terms of genetics & is the height of Bilawal Bhatti.

 

[Bewal Express]

My point isn't that he can get it fixed now or not btw. It's just that there are some characteristics that if you have as a bowler, you have a higher chance to succeed. Hyperextension/hyperflexion in your body is generally not good but in terms of bowling it's a good trait to have and the more degrees you have, the more chance you have to succeed. Similarly if you have a braced leg & you don't fall away in your bowling stride, you have a higher chance to be a good bowler. Most of the up & coming Pak bowlers are also stiff & do not look or feel proper athletes, you need to have that fluid running ability to become a bowler & they look so stodgy & stiff.

I'm not trying to put the boy down here, only explaining that the current Pak bowlers have terrible actions & also they aren't tall so when I look at any of them critically, it's hard to get excited about them no matter what their domestic statistics are.

Akif & Ali Raza are the only two bowlers who excite me a little right now. Ihsanullah & Zeeshan Zameer too but I'm not sure how they are doing post injuries & in Zameers case I don't know if his flex is within the legal limits of bowling. There's also one from Multan Sultans who has an action similar to Brett Lee but man got terribly unlucky in terms of genetics & is the height of Bilawal Bhatti.

Good post

 

[Markhor]

My point isn't that he can get it fixed now or not btw. It's just that there are some characteristics that if you have as a bowler, you have a higher chance to succeed. Hyperextension/hyperflexion in your body is generally not good but in terms of bowling it's a good trait to have and the more degrees you have, the more chance you have to succeed. Similarly if you have a braced leg & you don't fall away in your bowling stride, you have a higher chance to be a good bowler. Most of the up & coming Pak bowlers are also stiff & do not look or feel proper athletes, you need to have that fluid running ability to become a bowler & they look so stodgy & stiff.

I'm not trying to put the boy down here, only explaining that the current Pak bowlers have terrible actions & also they aren't tall so when I look at any of them critically, it's hard to get excited about them no matter what their domestic statistics are.

Akif & Ali Raza are the only two bowlers who excite me a little right now. Ihsanullah & Zeeshan Zameer too but I'm not sure how they are doing post injuries & in Zameers case I don't know if his flex is within the legal limits of bowling. There's also one from Multan Sultans who has an action similar to Brett Lee but man got terribly unlucky in terms of genetics & is the height of Bilawal Bhatti.

Well said. Mohammad Zeeshan is another example.



Head falls away at point of delivery and this is a 6ft 8 bowler who should be maximising every inch of his tall frame.

Somebody created a thread on Shahid Aziz during the recent T20 competition so I played the video and immediately you could see the same flaw. I recall Mohammad Umar's name doing the rounds a few years ago - he bowls with a bent front leg. And you can go down the list.

Who's coaching these guys ? What's the function of the NHPC and regional academies ?

For what it's worth, PCB recently sent Ubaid Shah, Ali Raza and Mohammad Zeeshan to Loughbrough's DineticQ pace clinic. Not criticising them but it's the age-old Pakistani solution of a plane ticket to the UK and pray some well intentioned gora (or British Pakistani) will plug the deficiencies in our own system.

What are we doing to build our internal skillsbase ? Where are these record ICC inflows going ?

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Well said. Mohammad Zeeshan is another example.

View attachment 149344

Head falls away at point of delivery and this is a 6ft 8 bowler who should be maximising every inch of his tall frame.

Somebody created a thread on Shahid Aziz during the recent T20 competition so I played the video and immediately you could see the same flaw. I recall Mohammad Umar's name doing the rounds a few years ago - he bowls with a bent front leg. And you can go down the list.

Who's coaching these guys ? What's the function of the NHPC and regional academies ?

For what it's worth, PCB recently sent Ubaid Shah, Ali Raza and Mohammad Zeeshan to Loughbrough's DineticQ pace clinic. Not criticising them but it's the age-old Pakistani solution of a plane ticket to the UK and pray some well intentioned gora (or British Pakistani) will plug the deficiencies in our own system.

What are we doing to build our internal skillsbase ? Where are these record ICC inflows going ?

That money is being spent on vanity projects & TADAs of PCB chief sahab.

Your point is super valid, we need to develop all of this ourselves, it's not that impossible anymore. My biggest issue with cricket in Pak is this & not the national team losing or winning, to put in words, it's our inability to innovate or develop indigenous infrastructure.

They even had a lab for managing actions at LUMS at one point but then no real research after that.

 

[Bewal Express]

Well said. Mohammad Zeeshan is another example.

View attachment 149344

Head falls away at point of delivery and this is a 6ft 8 bowler who should be maximising every inch of his tall frame.

Somebody created a thread on Shahid Aziz during the recent T20 competition so I played the video and immediately you could see the same flaw. I recall Mohammad Umar's name doing the rounds a few years ago - he bowls with a bent front leg. And you can go down the list.

Who's coaching these guys ? What's the function of the NHPC and regional academies ?

For what it's worth, PCB recently sent Ubaid Shah, Ali Raza and Mohammad Zeeshan to Loughbrough's DineticQ pace clinic. Not criticising them but it's the age-old Pakistani solution of a plane ticket to the UK and pray some well intentioned gora (or British Pakistani) will plug the deficiencies in our own system.

What are we doing to build our internal skillsbase ? Where are these record ICC inflows going ?

Normally the head dips and tilts to the left when you are trying to generate extra power.

 

[moghul]

Should be applauded for the performance in whatever platform he was given, but looking at the very poor standard of players , particularly this year's QEA trophy , he should not be labelled as the next Waqar Younis .

 

[Fenrir]

I am not an expert but I don’t see him as a top class bowler.He was the highest wicket taker but have people seen the quality of batting in this tournament?.People can easily tell the hallmark of a good bowler by looking at the bowler’s action,speed,bounce,swing and line and length.When I saw Ali Raza bowling I straight away could see this boy has something about him.He has high arm action,gets good bounce and his pace is ok.He has potential to be a good bowler.

 

[Bewal Express]

I am not an expert but I don’t see him as a top class bowler.He was the highest wicket taker but have people seen the quality of batting in this tournament?.People can easily tell the hallmark of a good bowler by looking at the bowler’s action,speed,bounce,swing and line and length.When I saw Ali Raza bowling I straight away could see this boy has something about him.He has high arm action,gets good bounce and his pace is ok.He has potential to be a good bowler.

He may not be top class but he isn't a total numpty. He has height( although it's not well used), he swings the ball into left handers and takes it away from right handers and pace is no worse than 99% of our bowlers.

 

[khyberlion]

He hasn't developed at all over the years. He could have been an ideal no 9. If anything his batting has gone worse. Bowling wise he still pretty much the same.

 

[Fenrir]

Should be applauded for the performance in whatever platform he was given, but looking at the very poor standard of players , particularly this year's QEA trophy , he should not be labelled as the next Waqar Younis .

I agree 100% with you.

 

[Farabi]

Appreciate the insights shared on this thread about the factors that “should” make a pacer successful, like height, pace, and arm action.

However, the reality is simple: the bowler taking the most wickets has already proven they are better than the rest. That’s what counts.

Those with the ideal traits also need to deliver results—the criteria remains the same for everyone.

Based on his performance, this lad deserves to be in contention for A tours. Having played 2 FC seasons with 70 wickets he’s earned eligibility for national selection as well. Ideally another FC season would be perfect though.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

No international standard for any format bowls around 79-83mph at max and not much movement as well , basically a green track bully.

 

[u0sama]

Musa is far better wicket to wicket. Niaz can be good in bouncy pitches bit wayward

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

No international standard for any format bowls around 79-83mph at max and not much movement as well , basically a green track bully.

Why are we failing to produce pacers with good speed?

 

[Nasty Naz]

Well said. Mohammad Zeeshan is another example.

View attachment 149344

Head falls away at point of delivery and this is a 6ft 8 bowler who should be maximising every inch of his tall frame.

Somebody created a thread on Shahid Aziz during the recent T20 competition so I played the video and immediately you could see the same flaw. I recall Mohammad Umar's name doing the rounds a few years ago - he bowls with a bent front leg. And you can go down the list.

Who's coaching these guys ? What's the function of the NHPC and regional academies ?

For what it's worth, PCB recently sent Ubaid Shah, Ali Raza and Mohammad Zeeshan to Loughbrough's DineticQ pace clinic. Not criticising them but it's the age-old Pakistani solution of a plane ticket to the UK and pray some well intentioned gora (or British Pakistani) will plug the deficiencies in our own system.

What are we doing to build our internal skillsbase ? Where are these record ICC inflows going ?

Feels like Pakistan doesn't use biomechanics enough to iron out these issues when kids up coming up U13, U16, U19 etc..

Look at baseball for example, every inch of your delivery is broken down and the coaches rectify it so it helps prevent injuries and you maximize velocity. It's not the same of course but it just doesn't seem like the coaches identify technical issues with the deliveries and how to fix it and if it does happen, it would more of an eye ball if the coaches pick up something rather than a thorough and enhanced breakdown of each inch of the delivery.

It is funny they have to overseas to get these issues fixed because they actually have the labs/equipment to monitor, break it down and coaches who know how to fix these issues.

The vibes almost feel like if you have a flaw, they're not going to invest time & money rectifying the flaw and helping you become a better player but because of the quantity of players, they'll just fine someone with less flaw. Until Pakistan fixes its domestic infrastructure and making sure coaching and development is a priority, I don't think these issues are going anywhere.

 

[moghul]

Appreciate the insights shared on this thread about the factors that “should” make a pacer successful, like height, pace, and arm action.

However, the reality is simple: the bowler taking the most wickets has already proven they are better than the rest. That’s what counts.

Those with the ideal traits also need to deliver results—the criteria remains the same for everyone.

Based on his performance, this lad deserves to be in contention for A tours. Having played 2 FC seasons with 70 wickets he’s earned eligibility for national selection as well. Ideally another FC season would be perfect though.

Agree, if he has performed at this level, he should be tested at the next level, A team and see how he does.

 

[Farabi]

Agree, if he has performed at this level, he should be tested at the next level, A team and see how he does.

Exactly! Ideal traits and features are fine, but they need to translate into proven results, not just opinions or assumptions.

I like Ali Raza and Akif Javed as well, but saying “there’s something about them” isn’t enough. A high arm action or extra bounce should result in more wickets than someone like Niaz, who is deemed “not international material.”

If we’re talking about “international material,” it should dominate domestic cricket and dismantle domestic batters.

I remember Mohammad Amir absolutely tearing apart domestic teams in his first full FC season—now that’s real talent, not wishful thinking.

 

[moghul]

Exactly! Ideal traits and features are fine, but they need to translate into proven results, not just opinions or assumptions.

I like Ali Raza and Akif Javed as well, but saying “there’s something about them” isn’t enough. A high arm action or extra bounce should result in more wickets than someone like Niaz, who is deemed “not international material.”

If we’re talking about “international material,” it should dominate domestic cricket and dismantle domestic batters.

I remember Mohammad Amir absolutely tearing apart domestic teams in his first full FC season—now that’s real talent, not wishful thinking.

Even Khurram Shezad didn't " look of international standard " but playing for Pakistan due to domestic performance. Although I don;t think he is of international standard even now.

 

[Farabi]

Even Khurram Shezad didn't " look of international standard " but playing for Pakistan due to domestic performance. Although I don;t think he is of international standard even now.

I agree. Hes a work in progress.

Khurram Shahzad is a skillful bowler with an acceptable pace range of 130-140 kph, good seam position, and the ability to bring the ball back into both left-handers and right-handers. He’s also capable of bowling decent bouncers, so it’s not surprising he has shown glimpses of success.

If fully developed, he has the potential to reach Mohammad Shami’s level and take 200 test wickets, especially since age is on his side. However, to reach that level, he’ll need to work on improving his stamina, fitness, accuracy, and seam presentation.

 

[moghul]

I agree. Hes a work in progress.

Khurram Shahzad is a skillful bowler with an acceptable pace range of 130-140 kph, good seam position, and the ability to bring the ball back into both left-handers and right-handers. He’s also capable of bowling decent bouncers, so it’s not surprising he has shown glimpses of success.

If fully developed, he has the potential to reach Mohammad Shami’s level and take 200 test wickets, especially since age is on his side. However, to reach that level, he’ll need to work on improving his stamina, fitness, accuracy, and seam presentation.

Khurram is a trundler, bowls at 126-128 kph pace and not a 135-140 kph , will not have long career at international level . No wonder SA scored > 600 runs .

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Such kind of threads regarding hyping up a trundler like Niaz is an utter embarrassment to our fast bowling legacy. We shouldn't hype up any domestic bowler unless we see him regularly clocking 140k+ in FC games or is a masterful seam bowler who can seam not swing the ball both ways with deadly accuracy and still bowls up to 135k as his top speed otherwise no need to hype up any bowler unless it fit this criteria.

Hyping up 130-135k bowler who can swing not seam the ball around both ways only on a green track is just not worth the hype.

 

[Farabi]

Such kind of threads regarding hyping up a trundler like Niaz is an utter embarrassment to our fast bowling legacy. We shouldn't hype up any domestic bowler unless we see him regularly clocking 140k+ in FC games or is a masterful seam bowler who can seam not swing the ball both ways with deadly accuracy and still bowls up to 135k as his top speed otherwise no need to hype up any bowler unless it fit this criteria.

Hyping up 130-135k bowler who can swing not seam the ball around both ways only on a green track is just not worth the hype.

Pakistani fast bowling legacy wasn’t built on pace, it was built on skill.
It wasn’t sultans of pace; it was Sultans of (???).
Hyping a 140+ KPH bowler lands you Mohammad Sami and Wahab Riaz.
What needs to be hyped up are wicket takers, which is the best signal of skill.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Yes that's what I told , you either be 140k+ consistent through out the day with good bounce and accuracy and some movement or you are pure skill bowler who can seam the ball both ways on a flat track and still clocks 130-135k , No need to hype any other bowler.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Peshawar pacer Niaz Khan shines as Quaid Trophy player of the tournament

•The fast bowler bagged 39 wickets in eight matches for Peshawar Region

Peshawar Region finished as the runners-up of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25, going down to Sialkot by one wicket on Sunday at the UBL Sports Complex, Karachi. Their march to the final included three wins and two draws in the group stage while they won one and lost one game in triangular stage.

The campaign which catapulted Peshawar to the final of the tournament was spearheaded by the bowling trio of Niaz Khan (39 wickets), Mohammad Amir Khan (32 wickets) and Sajid Khan (29 wickets). Among these bowlers, Niaz finished as the leading wicket-taker and also won the player of the tournament award.

He bowled the most overs in the tournament – 253.5 across the eight games. His 39 wickets – one more than the best bowler of the tournament Musa Khan (38) – came at an average of 20.13 and included two five-fors and a match haul of 9-112 in the final.

Reflecting on his heroics for Peshawar, Niaz told PCB Digital, “I am grateful to the Almighty for helping me achieve this goal of becoming the top wicket-taker of Pakistan’s prestigious first-class tournament. It is a matter of pride for me and my family.”

The 23-year-old from Swat made his first-class debut for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against Sindh at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad in October 2021 and began his red-ball career with figures of 5-58 in 19.1 overs. After 24 first-class matches, his record stands at 79 wickets at 26.75 including four five-wicket hauls.

Recounting his journey, Niaz said, “I represented Pakistan U19 in 2019 and then returned to competitive games in 2021. It was the same season when I made my way up from district cricket to second XI and then a first-class debut. Last Quaid-e-Azam Trophy season, I played five games and picked up 17 wickets.”

Talking about his love for fast bowling and how the support staff in Peshawar teams has helped him do well, he said, “I follow West Indies’ Kemar Roach as my role model and I often learn a lot from watching him bowl. This year our head coach at Peshawar, Zohaib Khan (former first-class player), has really helped in many ways especially getting us ready for the red-ball challenge as he gels well with the players.”

The next assignment for Niaz is yet another first-class tournament – President’s Trophy Grade-I 2024-25, where he will represent State Bank of Pakistan.

 

[FearlessRoar]

SBP's Niaz Khan claimed 5/86, marking his 5th First-Class five-wicket haul against OGDCL on Day 3 of the first round of the President's Trophy 2025.