Talent Spotter : Hasan Ali

A comprehensive profile of the young right-arm medium-fast bowler who has impressed in domestic cricket and is part of the Peshawar Zalmi squad.

By Saj Sadiq (5th February, 2016)

Full name : Hasan Ali

Born : February 7, 1994, Gujranwala, Punjab

Major teams : Sialkot Region, SSGC, Peshawar Zalmi

Bowling style : Right-arm medium-fast

Batting style : Right hand bat

Hasan Ali is a right arm medium fast bowler who has impressed in domestic cricket, particularly in recent Twenty20 ad 50 over tournaments. He was amongst the leading wicket-takers in the National One-Day Cup helping Islamabad to the final in Lahore.

Getting into cricket

Like most youngsters in Pakistan my entry into cricket wasn't very structured. I enjoyed playing on the streets near where I lived and would play cricket at every opportunity. The cricket there was pretty chaotic and it was an enjoyment and pastime rather than very competitive. From the streets and playing with my friends in our area I started playing tape ball cricket when I was a little bit older. I never really played cricket at school as these days the Pakistan school system does not have cricket as part of the curriculum which is very sad.

Club cricket

I owe my brother a lot for my introduction to club cricket and then first-class cricket. He has done a lot for me and for that I will always be grateful. After playing street cricket, then tape ball cricket I ventured into club cricket after recommendations by my brother in Gujranwala. Once I started playing club cricket I think I realised that I had potential and so did the coaching staff. They told me that I could make it to first-class cricket if I worked hard and continued to improve. The coaches in Gujranwala when I played club cricket really put a lot of hard work in with me and have helped me greatly.

Regional Trials

There were under 16 trials in 2009 in Gujranwala and that's where I was spotted by regional coaching staff. I did well at the trials and then came under their scanner. I started playing for Gujranwala region after being selected at these trials.

Sialkot

After playing for Gujranwala in junior cricket I attended trials for Sialkot region. Ijaz Ahmed junior attended the trials and PCB selector Azhar Khan were present at the trials. They liked what they saw in me and I was given the chance to play for Sialkot region which was a huge opportunity for me and a life changing opportunity. I made my first-class debut for Sialkot in 2013 and took 5 wickets.

Twenty20

I was picked for last year's Haier T20 Cup and it was an honour to play under the leadership of Shoaib Malik. It was a very successful tournament for me especially with it being televised and a lot of people took notice of my bowling after I took eight wickets in four matches at an economy rate of six. This tournament really helped me develop as a bowler as I was playing alongside some big names and very experienced cricketers.

National One-Day Cup

I played for Islamabad as a guest player after Sialkot did not qualify for the main tournament. I really enjoyed bowling in this tournament. The wickets were at times lively and helpful to fast bowlers but you still have to bowl in the right areas. It was great to take four wickets in the semi-final especially as the match was televised. I couldn't sleep the night before the semi-final as I was so excited that I was going to be on national television.

Role Models and Heroes

My favourite bowler and hero is Waqar Younis. He's the bowler I want to emulate. He was a fantastic bowler and if I can be half the bowler he was, I will have had a successful career. I used to watch DVDs of Waqar bowling and still do and that really motivates me. He was a legendary bowler and an inspiration for many Pakistani cricketers. Dale Steyn is also a fast bowler I admire. He's a great bowler who bowls with passion and heart and someone who I want to emulate.

Pakistan Super League

I'm really excited about being given the chance to play in the Pakistan Super League for Peshawar Zalmi. To get the opportunity to play alongside and against some of the world's best cricketers is just unbelievable. In addition to work with some excellent coaches is a wonderful chance for me and I intend to make the most of it. I hope the tournament is a huge success as a tournament and for me individually.

The Future

I want to play for Pakistan and that is my aim. I feel I have developed and improved as a bowler especially in the last 12 months. The next aim is to break into the Pakistan A team and then into the Pakistan team and perform well for my country. I have signed for SSGC for the next domestic season so I believe that will also assist with my progress and development.

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