We present the profile of Bismillah Khan who is a 22 year old wicketkeeper batsman. He plays for Quetta and made his first class debut in the 2009/2010 season and has played 26 first class matches and 15 List A matches.

By Saj Sadiq (5th March 2012)

Bismillah is a 22 year old wicketkeeper batsman who plays for Quetta. He made his first class debut in the 2009/2010 season and has played 26 first class matches and 15 List A matches.

Bismillah's batting average in first class cricket is just under 30 and he has taken 59 catches and carried out 1 stumping.

A hard hitting batsman who can open the innings or bat in the middle order, Bismillah only a few days scored 142 from 141 deliveries when opening the batting for Quetta against Multan in the ongoing One Day National Cup.


How I got into cricket: There wasn't anyone from my family who played first class cricket. Naturally growing up in Pakistan most people follow cricket and play it too. I just enjoyed watching some of our former greats on television and that's how I got interested.

I would watch matches on the television and then pretend to be some of the great players that I had watched. There was an instant passion for the game and my heart was set at an early age on wanting to be a professional cricketer.


Who spotted me: I was first spotted playing school cricket in Quetta and recommended to attend regional trials at Under 19 level. There were a number of coaches attending the trials in Quetta and they were impressed by what they say with my wicketkeeping and batting.


Progress to First Class Cricket: I started in the Quetta schools system and then as mentioned I was recommended to the Quetta region by coaches attending regional trials. I then played Under 19 regional cricket for Quetta, which I think is a good grounding for the natural progression to First Class cricket. After playing Under 19 regional cricket I was chosen to play for Quetta in First Class cricket after I had made a lot of runs at Under 19 level.

When my chance came, the first choice wicketkeeper was injured and in my first three matches for Quetta I scored a total of nearly 300 runs.


First Class team: I play for my home region of Quetta. They are the ones that discovered me, nurtured me and I really enjoy playing for them. I've been asked by some departmental teams to change teams and sign for them, but at this moment in time, I'm happy to be playing for Quetta, but who knows what the future holds.


Wicketkeeping: I became a wicketkeeper literally by chance. Initially I was a batsman, but then our wicketkeeper at school level cricket during an inter school tournament was not available for a match. We were stuck without a wicketkeeper and as there were no volunteers coming forward, I said that I would keep wicket.

The intention was to just keep wicket for that one match, but I enjoyed it that much and it went well, that I felt I wanted to do it on a more regular basis.

After that initial chance at wicketkeeping I started to concentrate on those skills and started to work with the coaches and take it a lot more seriously.


The Pentangular Cup 2012: It was an honour to be selected for my region Baluchistan in this competition for the first time. The Pentangular Cup is the toughest domestic competition in my opinion, as it has the best players from each region competing against each other in 4 day cricket. All the players selected for that competition have earned their right to play for their region and it is very high quality and tough cricket.

I learnt so much from the Pentangular Cup, it really was a brilliant experience taking part in that competition.

I played all 4 matches for Baluchistan, but I was disappointed with my performance in the competition, as I feel I could have done better.


Favourite current and former wicketkeeper: That would be Kamran Akmal. Yes he's dropped some catches in the past, but that is part of the game. But his batting is fantastic to watch and I model my batting on Kamran.


One Day National Cup: The competition has started really well for Quetta and we have managed to win our opening two matches. In the first match I scored 142 against Multan which was a very enjoyable innings. The ball came off the bat nicely and it was one of those days where you feel good and everything you try works out for you.

Our next match is against Karachi Zebras tomorrow (Sunday), so I'm hopeful that my good form can continue. I really want to impress everyone in this competition.


Batting position: I have batted in the middle order previously but I feel that my best batting position is as an opener. I think if a wicketkeeper can open the batting, it gives the team the option of playing an additional bowler or batsman.

I enjoy opening the batting and facing the challenge of the new ball. I like to take on the bowling especially with the restrictions on the fielding side.


Combining opening the Batting and Wicketkeeping: It's not easy especially if you have been fielding first. But cricket is all about challenges and as a wicketkeeper if you are asked to open the batting also, then that is a challenge you have to meet.

Your fitness levels are thoroughly tested and you have to be in peak physical condition to take on the role of opening the batting and then wicketkeeping for 50 overs. I feel that I can handle it, as I am someone who really takes care of his fitness.


Overseas Tours: I toured the Maldives last year with the Pakistan Under 25 team to take part in the SAARC Twenty20 competition that we won. Jamal Anwar was the first choice wicketkeeper but I played in one match, had 4 dismissals and scored 15 runs. It was a great experience to tour overseas and to win a tournament.

Hopefully the tournament in the Maldives will be the first of many overseas tours for me.


Hopes for the Future: Ever since I started playing cricket I have dreamt of playing for Pakistan, that is my aim. I want to follow in the footsteps of Moin Khan, Rashid Latif and Kamran Akmal.