Mohammad Amir backs five young Pakistan stars to shine in the future

LAHORE: Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has backed a group of young seamers and batters to play important roles for the national team in the coming years, highlighting Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Ali Raza, Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal as players to watch.

Speaking during a recent podcast interview with an international sports platform, Amir was asked to name emerging Pakistani cricketers who may not yet be widely known among English-speaking audiences.

The former left-arm pacer singled out Mohammad Ali as a particularly important prospect, praising his recent performances and consistency. Mohammad Ali impressed during Pakistan’s recently concluded two-Test series against the West Indies, finishing with nine wickets. He continued his strong run in the warm-up fixture against a West Indies XI, claiming a five-wicket haul.

Amir highlighted Ali’s experience across first-class cricket, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and his stint with Nottinghamshire, while praising his accuracy and control.

“I think Muhammad Ali will be very crucial. He is bowling so well. From first-class cricket and the PSL, he played for Notts and he has performed really well,” Amir said.

“He also played a practice game in the West Indies, where he took a five-wicket haul. He bowls really well with good length and good control.”

Amir also identified Khurram Shahzad as another promising seam bowler and urged Pakistan to carefully develop young fast bowler Ali Raza. Raza has made a notable impact in the last two PSL seasons with Peshawar Zalmi, taking 22 wickets in 14 matches. Amir believes his pace and ability could make him an important asset for Pakistan in the future.

“Khurram Shahzad is a good seam bowler. In the future, if we look after Ali Raza, he is a genuine fast bowler. He is quick and knows how to bowl. I think these three or four guys can perform well,” he added.

Turning his attention to Pakistan’s batting prospects, Amir named Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal as two young players capable of serving the national side for many years.

Awais has already represented Pakistan in four Tests, scoring 228 runs, including a century and a half-century. Fazal was included in Pakistan’s squad for the West Indies series but did not feature in either Test. He has scored 141 runs in two Tests, including two half-centuries.

“If you talk about the batters, Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal are very young, but they are very good prospects. I think they can serve Pakistan for a long period,” Amir said. While acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the careers of young cricketers, Amir stressed that both batters possess the ability to become long-term options for Pakistan.

With the national team looking to build its next generation of players, Amir’s selections highlight a promising pool of young fast bowlers and batters who could become key figures in Pakistan cricket in the years ahead.