[VIDEOS] Talent Spotter: Qasim Akram

[Abdullah719]

A comprehensive profile of Qasim Akram, a young batsman who has received lavish praise from Under-19 Head Coach Ijaz Ahmed recently.

Full name: Qasim Akram

Date of Birth: December 1, 2002, Abbottabad

Height: 5 foot 8”

Major teams: Lahore Region Under-16s, Lahore District Under-19s, Pakistan Under-19s, Central Punjab First XI

Playing role: All-rounder

Batting style: Right-hand bat

Bowling style: Right-arm off-break


Interest in Cricket

Like most youngsters in Pakistan, I had an interest in cricket and used to play tape-ball cricket near where I lived in Abbottabad. My older brother played cricket in the area and that further increased my interest in the game but unfortunately, I could only watch him play in those games. My parents were not in favour of my taking up cricket as I was from a lower-middle-class family and they wanted me to pursue a career away from sports, but over time they came to accept my point of view as well. At this point, I must thank a family friend, Mr. Rana Adeel, who has always been there to lend a helping hand, when I needed to buy cricket equipment and accessories or whenever I needed advice – all of which has helped me fulfil my goals of becoming a cricketer.


Joining my first cricket academy

Once I moved to Lahore with my family, I came to know of a local cricket academy where I would go to watch cricket practice after school. I would stand there for hours hoping that one day I would also be able to play cricket like those kids were. After gathering some courage, I asked one of the players what I had to do to join this academy and he told me to arrange for a membership fee and buy a kit and come over when I was ready. I wasted no time in doing that and was there the next day, much to the surprise of that player. Such was my interest in the game that I wasn’t going to let this opportunity go and so I joined the Riazuddin Cricket Academy in Lahore in 2015.


Switching from fast bowling to off-spin

During the time that I was in the cricket academy, I would bowl fast and of course, could bat well as well. However, I wasn’t very good as a fast-bowler so one of the coaches in my club advised me to take up off-spin as that would increase my chances of selection in teams in an all-rounder role. From then on, I became an off-spinner.


Playing club cricket and Under-16 cricket in Lahore

Once I had a good idea of the basics of cricket, I joined the Apollo Sports Club in Lahore and then moved to Lucky Star Cricket Club, for whom I play until today. I tried out for Lahore Region Under-16s in 2015 but was declared under-age but strangely enough, I was told that I was over-age when I tried out for the same team in 2016. I then had to get my age confirmed through medical means and was finally cleared to play Under-16s for Lahore Region. In practice matches, I scored well enough to be selected for the 15-man squad for the 2016 2-day Pepsi PCB Cricket Stars Under-16s Tournament. I did not perform that well in the first game and was put on notice by the coach, Saud Khan, to pull up my socks for the remaining games or I would lose my place. I did not disappoint the team and put in some good performances where in 8 matches, I scored a total of 373 runs which included two centuries and two fifties and was the top scorer for Lahore Under-16s in that tournament.


Disappointment of missing out on Pakistan Under-16s Limited overs series against Australia Under-16s in UAE

After my performances in PCB’s Under-16 tournament, I was invited to the NCA for a preparatory camp for Pakistan Under-16s Limited overs series against Australia Under-16s in UAE. There were close to 35 players in that camp and I was chosen as part of the squad but as fate would have it, my passport was not ready so I missed out on that tour which was a huge disappointment.


Playing Under-19 cricket at the District Level for Lahore in 2018

After having done well at the Under-16 level, I was picked to play for the Lahore District (Lahore North Zone Blues) Under-19 squad in 2017, but I was unable to get any games at the beginning of the season, for reasons best known to the management. Thankfully, with just one match remaining in the season, I was given a chance to prove myself and I didn’t disappoint as I hit 101* in the 2-day Regional Inter-District Under-19 Tournament 2017/18. I continued my good performances in the 2018/19 season with highlights being the 3-day Inter-Region Under-19 Tournament where playing for Lahore Region Blues Under-19s, I hit 426 runs in 7 matches which included two centuries and one 50 and also took two wickets.


The Under-19 tours of Sri Lanka, South Africa (2018/19) and being part of Pakistan Under-19 squad for the ACC U19 Asia Cup (2019)

The 2018/19 Pakistan Under-19 tour of Sri Lanka was a good one for me where in four One-Day games, I scored 124 runs at an average of 41, which consisted of one half-century. The subsequent tour of South Africa, in contrast, didn’t go that well where in 5 matches I managed to score just 77 runs which I marked off as one for experience. The One-Day ACC Under-19 Asia Cup in 2019 also opened my eyes to the feel of a big competition.


Outstanding performances in the 2019/20 season for Central Punjab Under-19s

The 2019/20 season saw major changes to our domestic structure, and I was asked to play for the Central Punjab Under-19s side in the 3-Day National Under-19 Tournament. This was an amazing platform for me to showcase my skills and I felt that I performed really well where in 5 matches, I scored 260 runs which included one hundred and one fifty. I also took 15 wickets at an average of 22, all of which helped me establish my credentials as an all-rounder. I continued my good performances in the One-Day National Under-19 Tournament for Central Punjab where I scored 296 runs in 5 matches, which included two centuries.


The experience of playing in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2020 and the first experience of playing India

Representing Pakistan at the Under-19 level is my biggest tournament yet and playing in the ICC Under-19 World Cup (2020) was an honour for me. The sort of support and confidence in my abilities that the team management, especially our Head Coach Ijaz Ahmed gave to me was incredible and did a world of good for me. I ended up playing 5 matches, scoring 93 runs which included one fifty against Zimbabwe where we were under pressure and also took 3 wickets in the tournament. Obviously, the loss to India was a heartbreaker for the team and myself. Before the game, I had told myself that I would put all my mental and physical energies in this game and when I went in to bat, it seemed that I was stroking the ball well but then that really unfortunate run-out happened. I had hit a four and was looking set for a good innings but there was some indecision and our captain Rohail Nazir turned back and I didn’t have time to make it back to my crease. This was a tough pill to swallow for me but at the end of the day, this was the Almighty’s will.


Role Models

I look at Babar Azam as my role model when it comes to batting alone. He has the shots and the temperament which has made him into a world-class batsman and that is how I wish to pursue my career too. Of course, in terms of all-rounders, I would love to emulate what Mohammad Hafeez has done and become the key for the side in difficult situations too.


Chance to play in the PSL and aspirations to represent Pakistan

In a recent interview, the Pakistan Under-19 Head Coach Ijaz Ahmed spoke highly of me and felt that I had what it takes to become a top-class all-rounder. This is huge praise from him for which I am very grateful but it’s also a challenge for me and I will do my utmost to repay the faith Ijaz has put in me. With the National T20 Cup starting soon where I am part of the Central Punjab squad, I feel that this will be a perfect opportunity for me to perform well and showcase my skills in front of television audiences as well. Hopefully, if I do well, this could result in a place for me in a PSL side in the next edition of the tournament. Of course, representing Pakistan remains my ultimate goal and for that, I have no qualms in serving my country in all formats of the game.

[Bullet Drive]

Really good player.

[Titan24]

Seems like a pretty good potential and there must be a reason he is being rated so highly in the circuit. He had a low key U19 WC considering his previous U19 performances.

Babar Azam is the role model for most young batsmen which is a really positive sign in terms of the way they want to develop their game. He will be sharing Central Punjab's dressing room with Babar in the second leg of national T20.

[Ahson8]

If he stays grounded, should have a long career inshaAllah. He can fulfil the role Hafeez used to for us back in the day, batting in the top order, and bowling economical offspin.

[nextover666666]

I am hoping to see him in national team one day suspecting good things from him

[shamaan]

He should bat at 4 or 5 and is a decent spinner could easily bowl around 7 overs per game

[Thunderbolt14]

Have you guys seen him bat? He’s okay.

[MenInG]

Have you guys seen him bat? He’s okay.

Has the shots but with experience will come staying power.

[Thunderbolt14]

Has the shots but with experience will come staying power.

Definitely. I really like his spin.

[Thunderbolt14]

[Kaddy]

I hope he plays at least 2/3 seasons of domestic cricket before joining PSL or Pakistan squad.

[Titan24]

I hope he plays at least 2/3 seasons of domestic cricket before joining PSL or Pakistan squad.

He might be able to join PSL soon if domestic season goes well for him which I personally dont mind as young players can learn a lot from overseas players and foreign coaches to improve their fitness and game.

[Saj]

I hope he plays at least 2/3 seasons of domestic cricket before joining PSL or Pakistan squad.

If he does well in the National T20 Cup then I'm sure PSL franchises will be lining up to sign him.

[NoBallZombie]

Idolizing Hafeez!

[SensiblePakFan]

Definitely hafeez esq offspin. Good signs.

[Kaddy]

If he does well in the National T20 Cup then I'm sure PSL franchises will be lining up to sign him.

Actually yes. I forgot he can play PSL as emerging player if he performs in this cup.

[Kaddy]

He might be able to join PSL soon if domestic season goes well for him which I personally dont mind as young players can learn a lot from overseas players and foreign coaches to improve their fitness and game.

Agreed. If he plays as emerging player in PSL. It will be good for him.

[Angrez Pakistani]

PSL isn’t interested in grooming Pakistani under 19 batsmen, with Haider being an exception. But the fact that Qasim is highlighted as an all rounder might just do the trick. On the other hand, I just don’t think he’s got that hitting ability in his batting to be considered for t20s. Hope to be wrong.

[Abdullah719]

.

[shamaan]

PSL isn’t interested in grooming Pakistani under 19 batsmen, with Haider being an exception. But the fact that Qasim is highlighted as an all rounder might just do the trick. On the other hand, I just don’t think he’s got that hitting ability in his batting to be considered for t20s. Hope to be wrong.

I do actually think that things will change eith the new system in place but let's waite and see

[Titan24]

With Faheem not available due to fitness issues and Qasim being the only batting all rounder in CP squad it looks like he is going to play most matches for CP. Can be an opportunity for him to make name for himself in domestic cricket.

[MenInG]

Not the best first game for Qasim - 36 runs in 3 overs and no wickets.

[shamaan]

Not the best first game for Qasim - 36 runs in 3 overs and no wickets.

Shouldn't have bowled him the power play

[shamaan]

With Faheem not available due to fitness issues and Qasim being the only batting all rounder in CP squad it looks like he is going to play most matches for CP. Can be an opportunity for him to make name for himself in domestic cricket.

Yes but he shouldn't have bowled in the power play espically when you have qair and asif

[Omer2002]

Never should have bowled in powerplay on that pitch and saad nasim.should have let him bat instead of him

[Kaddy]

Shouldn't have bowled him the power play

He should have bowled only one over in the power play.

Giving him straight three overs in the power play was a mistake by the captain.

[shamaan]

He should have bowled only one over in the power play.

Giving him straight three overs in the power play was a mistake by the captain.

Espically it being his first game and when you have 2 spinners already in the team

[Saj]

20 off only 11 balls today in the National T20 Cup.

[Deewana Mastana]

Is he really 5'8 at 17 if it is a genuine 17 that is...

[MenInG]

Excellent partnership betweet Qasim and Usman for 38 runs off 19 balls:

[aloo paratha]

Surprised nobody is talking about his innings today. Looked promising.

[Omer2002]

Defo has ability..and i am not disregarding his bowling too..first game he bowled in powerplays today with a wet game so not a bad package

[shamaan]

Surprised nobody is talking about his innings today. Looked promising.

Defo is promising let's see how he does in the rest of the tournament

[shamaan]

Defo has ability..and i am not disregarding his bowling too..first game he bowled in powerplays today with a wet game so not a bad package

He did okay with the ball proberly a 6th option similar to hafeez but with the bat he did good job didjt waste any balls

[Khan12]

Looked pretty good. Hopefully gets to bat up the order ahead of garbage Saad nasim. How is this guy even a cricketer. Tailenders look better then him.

[naseem]

Good prospect

[naseem]

Can be a successor to Professor

[shamaan]

Can be a successor to Professor

Play these youngsters against Zimbabwe even if it's just for 1 series test them out

[saabir]

The young boy need some more time before consider him for national side. He dont have the power game which is required in internationals. Missed some juicy length balls

[Bullet Drive]

He's a proper bat. Not a slogger.

[shamaan]

The young boy need some more time before consider him for national side. He dont have the power game which is required in internationals. Missed some juicy length balls

Seems like alot of the youngesters prefer to bat in top 4/5 barring azam khushdil and maqsood I havent seen anyone for the lower order spot

[Titan24]

Qasim Akram needs to work a lot on his batting. Other than one innings where he scored 21 of 10-11 he hasnt been able to create any impact till now.

Yes he generally comes at 6-7 when there is pressure but you cant have every batsman playing up the order with nobody there to finish the innings.

[Saj]

Seems like somebody who could adjust his technique to be a very good Test batsman or ODI player.

[Bewal Express]

Needs to be batted in the top to see if he has the wherewithal to be a good player

[MenInG]

Brilliant bowling from Qasim - 2/6 in 2 overs so far.

[Titan24]

Impressive opening spell today with good drift and pinpoint accuracy. 2/7 in 3 overs.

[The Viper]

His wickets today

[Sher Khan]

His action looks dodgy.

[kazc]

Two drop catches by him....

[Mobashir]

Has to work on his catching.
Looks an ok offspiner so if he can bat a little he should be worked on, so much we lack off breaks.

I will actually give him the Zimbabwe T20I series to motivate him.

[Titan24]

His action looks dodgy.

His action is as clean as it gets based upon what I have seen in this tournament.

[Saj]

He looks a good athlete who runs well between the wickets.

Tough situation for him today though with over 200 the target.

[Bewal Express]

His action looks dodgy.

No. Its fine.

[Artaxerxes]

Nothing wrong with his action.

[Mobashir]

You can see some batting talent, but he is not yet ready.
Still I will give him the T20I series against Zimbabwe.

[naseem]

Good thinking bowler .....bowls well with new ball too.... Need to back up....

[Salman4.]

You can see some batting talent, but he is not yet ready.
Still I will give him the T20I series against Zimbabwe.

It's the Pakistani cricket team, not a motivational center.

[Mobashir]

It's the Pakistani cricket team, not a motivational center.

We are playing Zimbabwe and we don't have any off break in the whole country.
So I think it's not a bad idea to maybe give him a go at a young age against a not so good team to see what the only off break in Pakistan can do.

[Saj]

I wouldn't mind seeing him in the Shaheen's squad for the tour of New Zealand.

[MenInG]

From PCB Match report:

Seventeen-year-old Pakistan U19 spinner Qasim Akram recorded his maiden five-wicket haul with five for 51 from 19 overs.

[Thunderbolt14]

To be completely honest, I watched 3 or 4 of the wickets and they all looked like mishits and careless shots by the batsmen.

If anyone watched the entire spell, how was it?

[Bewal Express]

He, is at this stage of his career is a very poor FC player. He can't bat for toffee and would be at best a 6th bowler.

[Titan24]

To be completely honest, I watched 3 or 4 of the wickets and they all looked like mishits and careless shots by the batsmen.

If anyone watched the entire spell, how was it?

None of his deliveries were unplayable and to be honest there wasnt much in the wicket. Credit to him for being reasonably accurate though and forcing the batsmen to try some expensive shots to score runs.

[MenInG]

PCB Report from Round 9, QeA20:

Qasim Akram’s run of form continued as he scored his maiden half-century after recording his first five-wicket haul yesterday. The 18-year-old smashed six fours and a six in his 181-ball knock.

[angrypathan]

So he finally performs.

[Bewal Express]

So he finally performs.

The lad has done well today and hopefully he kicks on but from what i have seen of QA trophy this year he is amongst the worst FC cricketers.

[shah_1]

Nothing cricketer but there is always hope for improvement

Had enough of these bits and pieces cricketers

[shah_1]

Players like him reflect the poor standard of U19 batting talent.

Babar Azam is an anomaly from Pakistan U19. PCB need to invest a lot at this level if we are to become an elite cricket team and also Imran Khan's dream of having quality domestic tournaments.

[Thunderbolt14]

So he finally performs.

5-fer was a bit underwhelming. But yes, hopefully he finds some confidence.

[shamaan]

So he finally performs.

Long due some runs

[BigShak]

Nothing cricketer but there is always hope for improvement

Had enough of these bits and pieces cricketers

Chill out pal. He’s 17/18 and it’s his first FC season. Give the kid some time to develop before writing him off.

[shah_1]

Chill out pal. He’s 17/18 and it’s his first FC season. Give the kid some time to develop before writing him off.

My opinion

As I said there is always room for improvement but right now he looks another bits and pieces cricketer

[Thunderbolt14]

I have yet to be convinced by him, seems like at best he’ll be a batting all rounder, which is less valuable than a good bowling all rounder unless you are of exceptional batting quality. I don’t think he’s exceptional.

[aloo paratha]

I have yet to be convinced by him, seems like at best he’ll be a batting all rounder, which is less valuable than a good bowling all rounder unless you are of exceptional batting quality. I don’t think he’s exceptional.

His action is too front on. As a spinner, especially an off/finger spinner, you generate revs on the ball with the pivot about the front leg. With his current action he isn't going to spin and drift the ball much.

I disagree with your assessment about batting all rounders though. A batting all rounder like Roston Chase is very beneficial to a balance of the team, especially on overseas tours where specialist spinners are not required, like NZ.

[Thunderbolt14]

His action is too front on. As a spinner, especially an off/finger spinner, you generate revs on the ball with the pivot about the front leg. With his current action he isn't going to spin and drift the ball much.

I disagree with your assessment about batting all rounders though. A batting all rounder like Roston Chase is very beneficial to a balance of the team, especially on overseas tours where specialist spinners are not required, like NZ.

Roston Chase is a good enough batsman though. I don’t think there’s a big difference between him and other available specialist bats on the bench.

Qasim is a very unconvincing batsman compared to the other available batting options - if all he offers is a bat who can bowl spin a bit in SENA we already have a better option available in Shadab.

[aloo paratha]

Roston Chase is a good enough batsman though. I don’t think there’s a big difference between him and other available specialist bats on the bench.

Qasim is a very unconvincing batsman compared to the other available batting options - if all he offers is a bat who can bowl spin a bit in SENA we already have a better option available in Shadab.

Well I'd expect him to improve. He's only 17 or 18 right now. A couple of years of domestic cricket could make him a good player. I'd rather players develop like this in domestic cricket than get fast tracked into the team and miss heaps of domestic cricket.

[MenInG]

Excellent contribution of 60* by Qasim Akram today in the final of the QeA20

[Ahmed216]

Good prospect he is. His body language tells me he's an ambitious young cricketer with good head on his shoulders. Has the skills to back that up.

[Titan24]

Solid knock with the tail for CP when 8 wickets were down at 207, helping them to go upto 257.

[Thunderbolt14]

I like him performing in first class cricket but this guy should NOT play the u19 world cup next year, that would be atrocious and probably result in him being fast tracked to the senior team.