In exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net, Afaq Raheem expresses his satisfaction at his outstanding performances in this season and discusses his current form

By Amir Husain (11th December, 2011)

Amongst the many talents in Pakistan who have been knocking at the doors of the selection committee for a place in the National squad, Afaq Raheems name is perhaps the most under rated.

The 26 year old right handed batsman and spin bowler from Mirpur who has represented the Azad Kashmir Under-19s, Islamabad Leopards and ZTBL has played 69 First Class matches where he has a averaged 40.5 with the bat and taken 17 wickets with an admirable economy rate of 3.77

In the current Quaid-e-Azam trophy Division 1, Afaq has compiled some outstanding performances on behalf of his team, Islamabad. In exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net, Afaq was understandably overjoyed with his batting form in which he has amassed just under a 1000 runs in this season stating that “I am really happy with this but its all down to form – if you have the right form then performances follow naturally”

A knee injury in 2009 forced Afaq to miss the season with Islamabad but he is back now and in tremendous form. Taken into account that Afaq's successful season so far is based upon scores compiled largely on the traditionally green top pitches of Islamabad, one can understand the pride in his voice “Its truly an achievement that I have done so well on pitches that aid bowlers – my form is really good and that has helped in my confidence while playing”

As a keen student of the game, Afaq comes across as someone who isn’t simply satisfied with what he knows and is always looking to improve on his techniques “One can never stop learning – you should always be open to new techniques and in this case one continues to work with coaches to improve one’s game”

Having done the hard yards against top teams in Division 1 where the country’s top players are pitted against each other, Afaq is in a perfect position to cast a critical eye on the talent on display and identified some of the bowlers who have impressed him “There are some impressive bowlers and I would single out Sadaf Hussain from Rawaplindi, Nasrullah and Zohaib from Islamabad and finally Abdur Rauf from Faisalabad – all have been very impressive with many wickets to their name this season”

With a successful season in the making and the understanding that selectors are keeping a keen eye on players performing well in the domestic circuit, Afaq’s attention is also focussed on the ultimate goal of representing his country on the international stage. He is hopeful but does understand that things are not that simple when it comes to matters of selection in Pakistani cricket “I have done really well in this season and I hope my Domestic form earns an international call up"