[VIDEO] "My focus is on playing in the 2019 World Cup" : Bilawal Bhatti

[Abdullah719]

Pakistan cricket’s quest to discover a fast-bowling all-rounder has seen many false dawns over the past few years. A number of promising pretenders to the crown left vacant by the likes of Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood have stepped forward in the past, only to disappoint due to a lack of good performances or the inability to sustain the sort of form and fitness which is crucial in today’s game.

Bilawal Bhatti arrived on the international scene in 2013 where he played a crucial part in Pakistan’s ODI victory against South Africa; on ODI debut, he took 3 wickets and scored 39 runs and it seemed to be a time of great hope for fans and supporters of Pakistan cricket.

Not only was Bilawal’s debut an impressive one for the connoisseurs of the game but what really raised the hopes of many and made it more important was his role in Pakistan’s historic ODI series victory against a very strong South African side.

Able to touch 90mph with the ball and with an aggressive side to his batting, Bilawal has paradoxically played a total of just 21 international games for Pakistan and last represented his nation in the historic home series against Zimbabwe in 2015, but has since been unable to find a place in the national side.

Currently playing in the North Staffs & South Cheshire Cricket League where he is representing Hem Heath Cricket Club, the Pakistan all-rounder spoke exclusively to PakPassion.net where he discussed his stint in club cricket, his disappointment of missing out in this year’s Pakistan Super League and his aspirations of playing for Pakistan in the 2019 World Cup.

With the seasonal break in domestic cricket back home, Bilawal, like many other Pakistani cricketers has travelled to the UK to play league cricket where he hopes to gain valuable experience in foreign conditions and as he described it, the experience has been very beneficial for him.

“I was injured just before the PSL this year which was a big setback for me. It really saddened me as well and it took me a good 2-3 months of rehabilitation to recover from the shoulder injury. After recovery, I came over to England to play for Hem Heath Cricket Club. In terms of fitness, I am completely fit although I had to struggle a bit when I came over to the club initially as I wasn’t able to bowl but could only contribute with the bat. But thankfully I am back to full strength and run-up in the past few weeks and am wholeheartedly taking part in the league as a bowler and batsman.”

Injuries are part and parcel of any sportsman’s life and Bilawal has had a few to contend with during his career. The particular shoulder injury which kept him away from PSL’s 3rd edition did not happen overnight and was possibly due to the amount of cricket he played during the previous domestic season as he explained, “my shoulder had been hurting throughout the domestic season, but it still wasn’t that serious a problem. I also had some hamstring issues during that period, but I wouldn’t class them as anything major as I was able to recover after resting for one match. I suppose, carrying a shoulder injury for the season did take its toll and bowling long spells did not help my situation either. When it came to the PSL, I was taking part in my team Lahore Qalandar’s training camp and during one of the practice sessions, I felt a lot of pain in my shoulder whilst throwing the ball. An MRI scan later confirmed that I had an injury in my shoulder which sadly ended my participation in the PSL in 2018.”

There is little doubt that the advent of the PSL seems to have injected a new dose of enthusiasm as Pakistan cricket continues to struggle due to the absence of regular international tours to the country. Providing a platform to showcase skills for Pakistan cricketers as well as giving them a chance to rub shoulders with some of Twenty20 cricket’s finest players were some of the benefits of the PSL. As is the potential for being picked for the Pakistan side as has been demonstrated by the international success of the likes of Hasan Ali and Shadab Khan. To miss an opportunity to be part of the PSL after being picked for Lahore Qalandars is something that hit Bilawal Bhatti hard.

“As is natural for any cricketer in my position, it was hugely disappointing when all plans and hopes of playing in a top-quality tournament like the PSL were cut short due to an injury. A lot of effort and training had gone into my preparation for the PSL which is why it hurt even more. I suppose this feeling is true for any professional and for me, it was tough to even watch any games of the PSL as I wondered about what I could have achieved if I had played this year. I felt rather envious of the other guys who were playing in the PSL whilst I was sitting on the sidelines nursing an injury. Playing the PSL had been my goal for a while and I had worked very hard to get to a position where I was picked by Lahore Qalandars. This tournament is one which is followed by fans the world over and a good showing in it could have easily helped me in making a comeback in the future. So, it was a difficult time for me, but I accept that such challenges do come in one’s life. Thankfully, I have worked hard to get myself back in shape and will continue to work hard to get to an ever better level of fitness than I have ever had.”

With Pakistan cricket’s recent upward trajectory headlined by successes at the Champions Trophy and the attainment of the number one position in T20I rankings, it would appear that the Pakistan side has all the ingredients it needs for future success. So does Bilawal feel he has a chance to make a comeback and displace some very talented performers in the current side?

“I am really pleased to see that the Pakistan side is doing well in all formats. We won the Champions Trophy last year and currently hold the number one position in the T20I rankings as well. In such a situation, to replace any player in the team will be a very tough challenge but I am not giving up hope. What I am working on is to improve my fitness to such a high level such that when the domestic season starts in September, I will have no problems in performing to a high standard. If I am physically fit, then I will be able to fulfil my goal of being the best bowler in the season and should be able to prove to everyone that I am ready for a comeback to the national side.”

With 21 international games to his name and some fine performances etched in his memory, Bilawal Bhatti is well aware of what is needed of him to make a comeback. Age is on his side and with the benefit of having seen through some hard times, he is now ready for the challenges ahead.

“I am still young at 26 years old and I have great belief in my own abilities. I have seen some bad times and experienced lows in my career but all that is now in the past. I am now looking forward to putting in good performances so that I can make a comeback to the Pakistan team.”

The next major event in world cricket’s calendar is none other than the 50-over ICC World Cup which will be played in England in 2019. Like many other cricketers in his position, a chance to represent his nation at one of the ICC’s mega events is something that Bilawal would love to have which given his talent and determination could well become a reality, “my focus is on playing in the 2019 World Cup. I feel that currently being in England is the ideal place for me to work towards that goal as the weather is ideal and on top of that I have access to some excellent training facilities at Hem Heath Cricket Club. With participation in the World Cup as my aim, I hope to go back to Pakistan and take part in the domestic season and intend to put in such good performances which will make it easy for me to be selected for the national side in the near future,” he concluded.

[gazza619]

This guy was likeable, bowled decent 140 kph and looked down to earth. With the emergence of young talent I dont think there is any space for him. May be if someone gets injured but we already have a battery of al rounders and pacers.
There is still scope for quality and reliable batsmen in the Pakistan line up though.

[BunnyRabbit]

Liked this guy. His pinpoint yorkers and skiddy flat pacy, harder to get under the bat deliveries deserted him for some reason, his accuracy suffered afterwards, and he wasn't the same afterwards. Needs to get his focus back and should be sticking to basics and stuff that worked so well for him in the start. His batting was hit or miss though, but he could make his way into the team if Fahim suffers an injury(I hope he doesn't get injured though).

[Dagestani_Eagle]

He was never the same after Maxwell hit him for those 30 runs

[The_Odd_One]

Anwar Ali was better than him.

[Deewana Mastana]

You and Anwar Ali are history.

[pakistani pride]

When he started on THAT LOI TOUR of SA he looked very good. Bowled very full and fast. Then all if a sudden started bowling back of a length and very short. Rest is history!

[moghul]

Too short in height.

[hadi123]

I remember in that match against SA, I liked him. Thought he was a useful skiddy bowler and a more than capable batsman. But unfortunately is just too short and after that smashing by Maxwell he's never been the same. I can't see him back in the Pakistan team anytime soon.

[TeymurBlake]

I also remember that ODI against the saffers. I saw that game and thought that "this guy looks good he's a capable of batsman down at No.8 but I wonder how he bowls" After seeing him bowl a couple of times, he looks solid, good pace, nice skidding action and seemed to be a good addition into the Pakistan team. But he was too raw and that battering against Maxwell didn't help. From there it went all down hill for him. Hopefully if he continues to work hard he might get back into the team. But he would be battling it out with Faheem and Yamin

[deems]

Never say never but may be it is a never in his case.. too much competition in the all rounders slot.. wish him all the best however.

[MenInG]

Never say never but may be it is a never in his case.. too much competition in the all rounders slot.. wish him all the best however.

No one should take their spot for granted. Bhatti needs to perform well and the best way to showcase that is in next PSL.

[ExplicitAI]

Shadab, Fahim and Imad have shoved the likes of Anwar Ali, Bilawal and Yamin into the dark abyss; there's no way the latter 3 would ever break into the team and you've got to remember that these 3 were playing in a team under Misbah who completely changed Pakistan's tactical play which didn't suit them.

[Saj]

He was clocking well over 145kph when he first appeared for Pakistan and hit a clean ball, but then things went downhill and his confidence suffered. Then injuries and fitness issues materialised.

Faces a tough challenge to get back into the Pakistan team especially with Faheem Ashraf around now.

[AZulfi]

He was neither good enough with ball or bat. Too wayward at expensive. Speed is not everything. But if he performs well in domestic cricket or PSL then should be given one last chance.

[moinsahil]

I don't think so he will be back in the team before the 2019 worldcup because Wahab is also in cue list

[Saj]

Another pacer whose pace has dramaticaly dropped in the last couple of years.

[Zeeraq]

Bilawal Bhatti took 6 wickets for 38 runs.

[Abdullah719]

@007Bilawal Dazzling bowling against Peshawar Region, took 8 wkts. #QEATrophy #QEA pic.twitter.com/e23omgwbAl

— SNGPL Cricket Team (@SNGPLCricket) September 28, 2018

[Abid Z]

Bowls a very drivable length. Unless he can get it to swing or seam around then he’s just a poor mans Hassan Ali but with a tad better batting. That said has a uk domestic record of some sort and is spoken of highly at Todmorden.

[Shandarchowka]

Pakistan needs few answers but Bilawal is not one of them. Thanks but no thanks.

[MenInG]

Bilawal claims four for 23 as Southern Punjab beat Sindh by an innings and 129 runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match at the United Bank Limited Sports Complex in Karachi

[MenInG]

.

[MenInG]

And he gets Jason Roy at the PSL! Good trier and does get some results when he puts in some effort.

OUT! Bilawal Bhatti strikes in his first over to break the opening partnership #PSLV #MSvQG https://t.co/qXKrToor93 pic.twitter.com/drIW3VOdiB

— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) February 29, 2020

[SensiblePakFan]

He's only played 7 psl games, not enough for a bowler of his calibre. Good for him for getting a wicket today.

[SensiblePakFan]

Selection headache for the sultans now.

[Bullet Drive]

Awful bowler. Was lucky today.

[MenInG]

29 years old today, his international career seems to be over?

[shamaan]

29 years old today, his international career seems to be over?

Looks like it

[SensiblePakFan]

Horrendous last over vs Balochistan

[Abdullah719]

Horrendous last over vs Balochistan

His figures for the tournament so far are 12-0-155-0.

[SensiblePakFan]

His figures for the tournament so far are 12-0-155-0.

Hard to believe he has international experience with that showing

[Thunderbolt14]

He’s probably 32, which means he’s nearing the end of his peak as a bowler. Doesn’t have exceptional fitness either, seemed to be huffing and puffing in sweat during the runup.

[Thunderbolt14]

Hard to believe he has international experience with that showing

Those were dark days for Pakistan cricket...

[LordJames]

Bilawal truly lost it today and I can't see how he will ever recover from today. He might as well retire because he doesn't have the mental strength to come back from this

[MenInG]

From the PCB:

Southern Punjab, yet to win a match in the First XI tournament, have decided to replace Bilawal Bhatti, Mohammad Irfan and Rahat Ali with Dilbar Hussain, Mohammad Imran and Zain Abbas.

Dilbar has taken five wickets at an economy-rate of just over seven. Imran has bagged six wickets at an economy-rate of 7, while Zain Abbas is their leading run-scorer with 193 runs.

Bilawal has been wicketless in Multan, while Irfan and Rahat’s three wickets apiece came at economy-rates of over 8.8 and 10, respectively.

[shamaan]

From the PCB:

Southern Punjab, yet to win a match in the First XI tournament, have decided to replace Bilawal Bhatti, Mohammad Irfan and Rahat Ali with Dilbar Hussain, Mohammad Imran and Zain Abbas.

Dilbar has taken five wickets at an economy-rate of just over seven. Imran has bagged six wickets at an economy-rate of 7, while Zain Abbas is their leading run-scorer with 193 runs.

Bilawal has been wicketless in Multan, while Irfan and Rahat’s three wickets apiece came at economy-rates of over 8.8 and 10, respectively.

Some excellent decisions by the management even thou dilbar should have been their from game 1

[MenInG]

Update - Concussion Replacement: Mohammad Abbas has replaced Bilawal Bhatti in the Southern Punjab team for their ongoing first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixture against Balochistan.

Bilawal received a blow while batting in the morning session on Monday during his side’s first innings.

[MenInG]

The computerised tomography (CT) scan conducted on Bilawal Bhatti in a local hospital on Monday afternoon was all clear and the all-rounder has been discharged from the hospital, but advised complete rest for the next few days.

The following is the sequence of events:

• Bilawal Bhatti was hit on the side of his head off a Khurram Shahzad short-pitched delivery in 84.1 overs (11.24am) when Southern Punjab were 311 for six

• As per 1.2.7.1.2 of the playing conditions, available here, Bilawal was inspected by the Team Medical Representative and was subsequently walked off the ground

• In the team treatment room, the Team Medical Representative asked Bilawal Bhatti a series of standard concussion-related questions. Bilawal was given a clearance to resume his innings, if required, after responding correctly to the standard questions asked in concussion-related injuries

• Bilawal returned to the field at the fall of Southern Punjab’s ninth wicket in 90.5 overs

• Bilawal was the last batsman out in 92.2 overs after facing seven deliveries following his return. He faced a total of 11 deliveries

• During the innings break, Bilawal was again inspected by the Team Medical Representative, who decided to take the fast bowler to a hospital for precautionary tests

• At the National Stadium, ambulance services, as per the PCB’s in-venue requirements, were available, which was used to transport the player to a local hospital

• Article 1.2.7 of the PCB playing conditions, which deals with the concussion replacement, is available on the PCB corporate site under Documents/Playing Conditions.

[MenInG]

Bagnall Norton have swapped one international cricketer for another to fill their overseas slot this season.

The North Staffs and South Cheshire League Premier Division club were due to welcome Namibia all-rounder Christi Viljoen into their squad this summer.

But the South Africa-born star has travel issues - due to the coronavirus pandemic - surrounding his journey from New Zealand where he plays first-class cricket for Otago.

That means he is unable to fulfil his commitments in North Staffordshire this year, which has left Bagnall Norton scouring for another overseas player.

They have now agreed a deal with Pakistan paceman Bilawal Bhatti, who will spearhead the attack in their second season in the Premier Division.

Bhatti is well versed in life in the NSSCL after spending four seasons with Hem Heath.

He was due to make it five last summer, but Covid restrictions prevented him from featuring in the league.

He has played two Tests, 10 one-dayers and nine T20s for his country, had his most productive spell with the ball at Hem Heath in 2019.

He captured 48 wickets, including four five-fors - and his most devastating performance came against Premier Division runners-up Meakins.

Bhatti, aged 29, picked up 9-31 to rout the hosts for 70, although Hem Heath made heavy weather of the chase before finally winning by two wickets.

“It was back to the drawing board for us,” said Bagnall Norton captain Justin Mould.

“We put in the time and effort to get Christi over the line, and then we’re told that he can’t come over. It was a kick in the teeth.

“We’d done all the hard work with our local signings and the pro was the icing on the cake.

“A big thing for us was that he’s not new to the league, he knows what it’s all about. A lot of our lads have played against him, so we had a chat about what he could offer us.

“We have addressed our weaknesses from last year and Bilawal now gives us the X-factor with the ball and he can also chip in with runs with the bat.”

Viljoen’s proposed arrival was seen as a key signing by Bagnall Norton.

Viljoen is no stranger to the NSSCL having previously had a two-season stint with Burslem in 2016 and 2017.

He was supposed to figure for Blythe last summer, but the shortened campaign because of the coronavirus pandemic saw overseas players unable to take part in the competition.

And Premier Division Bagnall Norton have now made their move to strengthen their resources by signing the 33-year-old.

Viljoen certainly made his mark with Burslem, scoring 1,250 runs and taking 117 wickets with his seam.

He has played two one-day internationals and 12 T20s for Namibia, as well as boasting a wealth of experience in the professional game.

Viljoen has been playing for Otago, where his team-mates include New Zealand international Hamish Rutherford.

In total, Viljoen has figured in 80 first-class, 89 List A and 76 Twenty20 matches in his domestic career.

However, it is now Bhatti who is likely to share the new ball with evergreen seamer Greg Willott.

Their contribution will be key as Bagnall Norton attempt to cement their place in the top division.

They made their Premier bow last summer- after securing three successive promotions - finishing bottom of the table with two wins from a shortened season.

There was no relegation in place last year, though, due to the coronavirus pandemic denting the campaign, which means they will be at the top table of local cricket once again in 2021.

Their squad options have been enhanced by the recruitment of Freddie Doorbar and Joe Bridgewater from Longton and Whitmore respectively.

“Last year was a learning experience for us and although we finished bottom, it was a good year finding out about the Premier Division,” added Mould.

“We had the likes of Nyle Broadhurst and Matt Reynolds stepping up last season and they impressed, so we’re ready to go again.”

Bagnall Norton start their Premier Division season on Saturday, April 24 with a trip to play Leek.

There is a new format in the NSSCL this year with half of the games being played on a straight win/lose basis, while the remainder will feature the traditional draw.

https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/spor...bhatti-5218805

[MenInG]

Happy Birthday to Bilawal

Born: September 17, 1991 (age 31 years), Muridke, Pakistan