Hasan Nawaz reveals how his sister helped shape his cricket journey

Pakistan middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz has opened up about his cricketing journey, initial struggles, and highlighted the major role his sister played in shaping his future in the sport.

Speaking candidly on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) YouTube channel in an interview, Hasan shared insights into his early struggles in the sport.

“Before participating in the Kashmir Premier League (KPL), I had not played PCB’s U-16 or U-19 cricket. I came into the spotlight after our team clinched the tournament’s title,” he recalled.

“Playing for the Pakistan team still feels like a dream. My sister called me to Islamabad because she said it’s difficult to play cricket in Layyah [a remote city in Punjab]. I came to the capital in 2018 and lived alongside my sister for five years,” Hasan Nawaz added.

“Initially, my sister bought me a cricket bag and got me admitted to a cricketing academy. She would also drop me off there and pick me up from the academy. So, she played a major part in my life and cricketing journey,” the middle-order batter revealed.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The 22-year-old also highlighted his career-threatening injury in domestic cricket, praising his sister for helping him during his challenging time.

“My sister also helped me in my operation, and I stayed at her house. At that time, my name came to the limelight because I had come back from playing KPL, and people had started recognizing me.”

“It feels really very good when you earn for what you work hard. My first series against New Zealand did not go well, and I have learned a lot from it,” he said.

The right-handed batter made his debut as an opener for Pakistan in the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year. During the third match of the series, Hasan Nawaz shattered Pakistan’s record for the fastest century in T20Is.

In doing so, he surpassed ace batter Babar Azam’s previous record of a 49-ball century, which he had achieved against South Africa in 2021.

“I felt really happy at that time because if you do well for Pakistan, you feel happy, and I am still going through the phase of learning,” he concluded while recalling his memorable century.

READ: I would drop Test format to ease cricket calendar: Haris Rauf