LAHORE: Emerging fast bowler Qayyum Khan has revealed the former Pakistan pacers who inspired his cricketing journey.
Qayyum, who hails from Jhang, Punjab, is tipped to be the next big thing in Pakistan cricket due to his raw pace.
Last month, Pakistan men’s team selector and Director of the High Performance Center Aqib Javed revealed details about pacer Qayyum.
“We have found a new gem from Jhang, Qayyum, who can bowl at 150 kmph and even faster,” Aqib Javed said, while admitting that Pakistan currently lacked genuine pacers and fast-bowling all-rounders.
Qayyum has played only departmental Grade 2 Silver-level cricket for Punjab and has regularly bowled at speeds of between 145 and 150km/h.
The right-arm pacer spoke to a private channel about his journey in cricket and his rise through tape-ball cricket.
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“In the beginning, everyone used to play tape ball, so I also started playing tape ball. Gradually, I travelled to different cities and played tape ball across Pakistan. Then I gave trials for Lahore Qalandars, where I bowled at 147 kmph,” Qayyum said.
He said Aqib Javed invited him to train at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
“Then Aqib Bhai called me to the NCA and checked my speed. I bowled at 152 kmph, which was my fastest. Now, I am part of the Fast Bowlers Development Camp and, InshaAllah, we will continue to work hard in the coming days,” he said.
Qayyum named former Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar, Wahab Riaz and Wasim Akram among his inspirations.
“I would like to mention Shoaib Akhtar, Wahab Riaz and Wasim Akram. I watched them play and was inspired by them,” he said.
He also credited the coaching staff at the camp for helping him improve his fitness and bowling.
“Our coaching staff, Rehan, Waqas and Ashley Noffke, are also working with us on fitness, bowling and gym training. We do fitness, gym, ground training and bowling every day. If we maintain a good diet, our speed increases,” he concluded.