Pakistan’s rising batting talent Sameer Minhas opens up on his cricket journey, PSL experience and dream of representing the country at the highest level

Pakistan’s emerging batting sensation Sameer Minhas has offered an insightful look into his cricketing journey, sharing stories from his childhood in Multan, his transformation from a leg-spinner into a specialist batter, his memorable Pakistan U-19 campaign, PSL debut, and ambitions of becoming a complete all-format cricketer.

Appearing on the latest episode of Straight Drive with Salman Butt, the youngster revealed that his love for cricket began in the streets of Multan, where he spent countless hours playing with his brother despite regularly getting into trouble for breaking household items. Minhas recalled that it was his father who eventually enrolled both brothers in a cricket academy, laying the foundation for what would become a professional career. He described street cricket as the beginning of everything, saying those early experiences taught him the fundamentals while also fueling his passion for the sport.

The talented batter fondly reminisced about the unique rules of street cricket, explaining how local conditions shaped the game—from declaring a batter out if the ball hit a neighbour’s door to adapting rules depending on the number of players available. He also revealed that he regularly played indoor cricket at home with his brother, believing those sessions helped improve his timing, bat swing and ability to handle pace from a young age.

Speaking about balancing education with cricket, Minhas credited both his parents for keeping him grounded. While his mother constantly encouraged him to focus on academics, his father stressed discipline and hard work. The youngster admitted he initially began his cricketing career as a leg-spinner after trying to imitate Pakistan great Yasir Shah, but everything changed when his coach, Tahir Mehmood Faiz, recognized his batting ability. Since joining the academy in 2013, Minhas has remained under the guidance of the same coach, whom he credited for shaping his development as a cricketer.

The right-hander also reflected on progressing through Pakistan’s age-group system, explaining how the standard of competition became tougher with every step from Under-13 to Under-19 cricket. He acknowledged the influence of his elder brother, with whom he regularly discussed techniques, match situations and ways to overcome challenges. According to Minhas, those conversations played an important role in his development throughout the junior ranks.

Fitness has been another cornerstone of his growth. Minhas revealed that his father insisted on proper training and nutrition from an early age, believing that maintaining fitness was essential for a long and successful career. He trained under PCB trainer Farhan Basheer and said he began taking physical preparation seriously during his final year of Under-16 cricket as he targeted a place in Pakistan’s Under-19 side.

Discussing Pakistan’s successful U-19 programme, Minhas praised the extended preparation camps introduced before the Asia Cup, saying the system allowed the country’s best young players to compete against one another before final selections were made. He described the camps as highly beneficial, highlighting the exposure to experienced coaches and trainers while explaining that the competitive environment helped the eventual squad prepare for international cricket.

Minhas also shared his batting philosophy, revealing that he prefers maintaining a balance between aggression and smart cricket. Rather than attacking every delivery, he looks to score at least one boundary every over during the powerplay before rotating the strike whenever bowlers deliver good balls. The batter admitted that he initially felt pressure while representing Pakistan, particularly against India, but credited the coaching staff for encouraging the players to remain fearless regardless of the result. According to him, that positive mindset played a crucial role in helping the team perform under pressure.

The youngster further spoke about his first Pakistan Super League experience, revealing how senior overseas players and the franchise management gave him the confidence to play freely without worrying about results. Minhas said he particularly enjoys facing fast bowling because it allows him to rely on his timing, adding that he entered matches with a clear plan to target his preferred scoring areas. He also praised the dressing-room environment, saying the support from teammates helped him settle quickly into franchise cricket.

Looking ahead, Minhas made it clear that he has no preference for a single format and hopes to establish himself across Test, ODI and T20 cricket.

He acknowledged the different technical demands of red-ball cricket while emphasizing that patience and sound technique remain vital for success in the longer format. Currently attending his first senior Pakistan camp, the youngster said his immediate focus remains on improving his batting, fitness and fielding. He also revealed that former South Africa superstar AB de Villiers has been his cricketing idol since childhood, admiring both his batting style and calmness under pressure.

The podcast offered a comprehensive insight into the mindset of one of Pakistan’s brightest young prospects, highlighting the discipline, preparation and self-belief that have driven Sameer Minhas from the streets of Multan to the doorstep of international cricket.