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Teenage fast bowler Ali Raza has brushed aside speculation regarding his eye health, insisting he is fully fit and focused on representing Pakistan at the highest level.
Speaking to the media during the PCB’s Skills Development Camp in Lahore, the 17-year-old addressed circulating rumours about an alleged eye issue and made it clear that his health is not a concern.
“I am relying on my hard work and self-belief. I am fully fit and have no issues with my eyes,” Raza clarified.
Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also issued an official statement dismissing the rumours, confirming the young pacer’s availability for selection across all formats.
“Ali Raza has no eye disease and is available for selection,” a PCB official said.
Raza, who impressed during Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 with 12 wickets for Peshawar Zalmi, also responded to praise from former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop.
“If someone like Ian Bishop praises you, it’s a big honour. I want to prove that his praise is justified,” Raza remarked.
Drawing inspiration from Pakistan’s iconic fast bowlers, Ali Raza said he aims to blend Shoaib Akhtar’s pace, Wasim Akram’s swing, and Waqar Younis’ yorkers into his own bowling.
“I want to develop those kinds of skills and be remembered for my bowling. I want to learn how to adapt to different conditions and become a complete fast bowler,” he added.
The teenager also acknowledged the guidance of Peshawar Zalmi’s captain, Babar Azam, during the PSL 10.
“Babar Azam supported me a lot during the PSL. I want to give my best for the country,” he said.
It’s worth noting that Ali Raza has also featured in 11 Youth ODIs for Pakistan U19, where he picked up 26 wickets at an economy rate of 4.91.
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