Pakistan cricket, despite all of its historic problems and issues, has the knack of producing mercurial talents. Talents that the rest of the world look at with envy, talent that quite literally springs up from nowhere and talent that is amongst the best in the world.

 by Ahmed Zulfiqar

8 August 2010

Pakistan cricket, despite all of its historic problems and issues, has the knack of producing mercurial talents. Talents that the rest of the world look at with envy, talent that quite literally springs up from nowhere and talent that is amongst the best in the world.

One such example of this mercurial Pakistani talent is of course Mohammad Amir, who at the tender age of 18 is a remarkable left arm seam bowler. A young man who has already shown enough promise and ability to catch the eye of the keenest cricket observers. However Mohammad Amir's recent problems should be a lesson and an example to every up and coming cricketer not only in Pakistan, but also the rest of the world. 

Amir has of course been in the news of late not for taking wickets, for winning matches or indeed scoring runs. He has been in the news for all of the wrong reasons and let these headlines send a shiver down the spine of every young cricketer who dreams of representing their respective country.

As Amir's name appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world, instead of the back pages, Pakistani cricket fans asked themselves whether young cricketers in Pakistan are receiving the appropriate levels of guidance before embarking on an international cricket career.

One such highly rated youngster is Babar Azam, who was one of the shining stars of the 2010 U19 World Cup in New Zealand, as Pakistan reached the final of that competition, only to be beaten by their Australian counterparts.

Babar is the cousin of the Akmal brothers and is widely expected to become a stalwart in the Pakistani batting lineup in years to come. 

PakPassion.net spoke to Babar about the guidance and the levels of advice young up and coming cricketers in Pakistan receive with regards to match fixing, approaches from bookies, guidance on anti-doping.

Asked whether the appropriate levels of support are there for young cricketers in Pakistan, Babar stated "I'm not even sixteen yet and the Pakistan Cricket Board have already provided me with 3 or 4 lectures on how to deal with anyone making any such approaches to me. The instructions are clear and tell us to stay away from them and if we are approached, to let our team managers and captain know that we have been approached in this manner."

Babar - who has been snapped up by ZTBL, one of Pakistan's strongest domestic teams,and has already featured for them on 4 occasions - added that the National Cricket Academy coaches as well as the International Cricket Council also provides Pakistani players with relevant information regarding the darker side of cricket. 

"We receive lectures at the National Cricket Academy, along with receiving guidelines given by the ICC. We get to watch videos and receive all the guidance that in my opinion is required. It's very clear, concise and there can be absolutely no confusion regarding the message that is being delivered. The guidance is adequate in my opinion."

A wristy and stylish opening batsman from Lahore, Azam has been busy preparing himself for the upcoming Pakistan domestic cricket season, having topped the Pakistan batting charts at the Under 19 World Cup, with 298 runs in 6 matches.

“I’m doing a lot of work on my batting in the nets these days. It is quite hard to do anything more during Ramadan. Once Ramadan is over, I'll get stuck into the full training for the forthcoming domestic season, which should start in mid-October, and that I am really looking forward to."

Babar's domestic career only boasts four matches, but on debut he scored 68 against Pakistan Customs in the RBS one day cup in February. Babar expressed his satisfaction with his performances so far for ZTBL and hopes that the forthcoming season is one where he is given opportunties by ZTBL.

“The standard of cricket at domestic level is quite tough, compared to junior cricket and Under 19 cricket. It's a huge jump and you are coming up against seasoned campaigners and current and former international players. It's great experience for me and part of my learning curve. Hopefully I'll get more games this season for ZTBL, but even to be part of the squad and training with some of the excellent players in this squad is fantastic for my development."

Pakistan cricket's future depends upon rising talents like Babar Azam and it's absolutely imperative that these youngsters are given the appropriate levels of guidance from all those connected with Pakistan cricket, whether that be the NCA coaches, the domestic coaches, or the senior players who are expected to set an example for the younger players.