[VIDEOS] Talent Spotter: Muhammad Shehzad

[MenInG]

A detailed profile of Dera Ghazi Khan born batting-allrounder who has represented Pakistan U19s in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup and was recently named as the best batter in the National U19 Championship.

Full Name: Muhammad Shehzad

Date of Birth: February 05, 2004, Dera Ghazi Khan

Batting Style: Right hand bat

Bowling Style: Right arm medium fast

Height: 6ft

Teams: Pakistan Under-16s, Pakistan Under-19s, Southern Punjab U19 Whites


Interest in Cricket

Like many other youngsters in Pakistan, my cricket journey started in the side streets of where I lived. I was not from a well-to-do family so apart from my passion for the game, there were other considerations as well, especially due to my father’s death at an early age, but I persisted with my love for cricket. The passion for the game took precedence over everything and sadly my education took a back seat, so I only studied until year 9 but my hope is to continue my studies later.


Starting hard-ball cricket and move to Lahore

In 2015, based upon recommendation from a good friend of mine who saw my potential, I joined the Zakariya Cricket Club where I got my first taste of hard-ball cricket. In 2018, at the age of 14, I decided to make a bold move to bolster my career and moved to Lahore to play for the PakLand Cricket Academy with whom I was associated with until a few months ago.


Selection for Pakistan Under-16

I played for Multan Under-16s in the PCB-PEPSI Stars U-16 One Day Tournament 2018/19 where I scored 197 runs in 5 games and then improved my performances considerably when I was named the best batter in the PCB U-16 Pentangular Tournament 2018-19 for 309 runs in 5 matches. These performances brought me to the attention of selectors who liked my talent and picked me for two Pakistan Under-16 series.


First experience of playing for Pakistan Under-16s against Australia Under-16s in the UAE

I was selected for the tour of UAE to play against Australia Under-16s in January 2019, but my performances in the 2 One-Day games I played were not satisfactory however in the only T20 game, I was the highest scorer amongst both sides with 73* runs to my name as Pakistan Under-16s won the game by 6 wickets. This tour did wonders for my confidence as this was my first exposure to playing against another country’s side and was a great learning experience as it was away from home.


Good performances for Pakistan Under-16s against Bangladesh

In May 2019, I was part of the Pakistan Under-16s tour of Bangladesh and the return tour by Bangladesh in November 2019. The Bangladesh leg of these tours was a little disappointing, but I did very well during the Pakistan visit by Bangladesh in which I scored 72 runs in 2 One-Day games, whilst in the 2 Three-Day games, scored 126 runs. All of these performances were noted by Ijaz Ahmed who had me in his sights for the ICC U19 World Cup.


The ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2020 experience

My selection for the U19 World Cup squad was confirmed after I attended the November 2019 camp at the NCA but my invitation to the camp was based upon an interesting story. In the first 3-Day game against the touring Bangladesh U16 side, the U19 Head Coach Ijaz Ahmed challenged me to score a hundred in the final innings, but I ran out of time and ended up on 80* which seemed to convince him that I had sufficient talent to be selected for the U19 World Cup squad. Later, he commented about me:

“I have taken some bold decisions by including a boy called Shehzad who was under my supervision in U16; Throughout all 8 practice games, he has been following my instructions and putting them into use; One should be able to learn and adopt to conditions fast and he can do that; He is an opener and a medium pace bowler, and he fits in my combination well. I want all of you to note what I said today because after a year or so when he does well, you will remember that how he was identified as a product by us”

These comments, coming from one of Pakistan’s finest former players, naturally filled me with a lot of confidence and I vowed to repay his faith in my skills.

I only played 2 games at the U19 World Cup, one was against Scotland and the other was against Zimbabwe but the learning from being part of this event was amazing and am sure will hold me in good stead in the future. There were some memorable moments in this tournament with our win against a very competent Afghanistan side the one that stands out the most for me.


Role Models

I have followed Babar Azam for a long time and consider him my role model but amongst current all-rounders, Ben Stokes is my favourite. Of course, when we talk about all-time greats, our Prime Minister and former Pakistan captain, Imran Khan, is my all-time favourite cricketer.


Aspirations

I can consistently bowl around the 130 kph mark as was measured at the NHPC in January of this year and hope to improve on this in the future. I was also declared the best batter of the 3-Day National U19 Championship where I scored 829 runs in 6 matches. I am currently taking part in preparatory camp for the upcoming U19 Asia Cup in the UAE and the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in the West Indies and of course, finding a place in a Pakistan Super League team is also on my mind and am hoping that this dream will also come true.

But above all I feel that I am making good progress to an important stage of my career which is to represent Pakistan. Whilst I am happy to play in all formats of the game, Test cricket is what really interests me most and when I do get a chance to represent my country, I will do so in a way that my performances will help in winning matches.

[PakEngFan]

Seen couple of videos of his batting looks promising need to see him live.

[MenInG]

Video of his all-round performances:

[Last Monetarist]

It may be no more than a token gesture, but I do get a bit gooey-eyed whenever a young cricketer talks about his aspirations of playing test cricket. It kinda shows that the player at least has his heart in the right place.

[Bewal Express]

From these clips he looks to have some real power and fast hands. I can remember arguing with some posters about him, the irony was that none of us had seen him play and I made the point that you can't judge until you have seen him play and not call someone a parchi without proof.

[moghul]

Another school drop out , current generation of young cricketers are all chitte unparrh . Why can't they finish their schooling and continue to play cricket.

[MenInG]

Another school drop out , current generation of young cricketers are all chitte unparrh . Why can't they finish their schooling and continue to play cricket.

He had huge financial issues to deal with. Life is not that easy for everyone.

[transparent opacity]

He has been named in the 15 players squad for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Looks promising, definitely one for the future.

[Bewal Express]

Let's hope he as good as he was in the snippets.

[Saj]

Medium fast bowler and looks like a decent batsman.

Something to get excited about.

Let's see how he does in the Under 19 World Cup.

[ethan hunt]

From these clips he looks to have some real power and fast hands. I can remember arguing with some posters about him, the irony was that none of us had seen him play and I made the point that you can't judge until you have seen him play and not call someone a parchi without proof.

Hit the captain Qasim Akram for 5 sixes in an over. Looks to have some real hitting ability.

[Saj]

Currently 28* versus India under 19s in the ACC U19 Asia Cup.

[Last Monetarist]

Now 78 not out from 102 balls with four 4s and five 6s.

[MenInG]

Run out for 81 (105)! Big blow to Pakistan's chances but has played a possibly match-winning innings against India U19s.

[MenInG]

Man of the Match for 81 (105) against India U19s in ACC U19 Asia Cup

[Markhor]

Good knock. One of those players you want to root for given his sad backstory of losing his father at an early age.

[MenInG]

Let's hope he as good as he was in the snippets.

Hope his performance today has made you happy!

[krazystrong]

Opens and bowls pace too? Could be a great asset. Being able to fit a proper all rounder in the top order, especially if they're a fast bowler, does wonders for team composition.

[Angrez Pakistani]

Balochistan should sign him for the next first class season. They need an all rounder who can play a long innings for them and chip away with a couple of wickets for them upfront. And he offers them both.

[MenInG]

Shehzad's innings today against India U19s in Asia Cup

[Omer2002]

That crab stance aka fakhar zamans style wont work as an opener

[Artaxerxes]

That crab stance aka fakhar zamans style wont work as an opener

He should spend some time with Muhammad Yusuf.I am sure he can iron out any flaws.

[Bewal Express]

Hope his performance today has made you happy!

Definitely, and hopefully the lad becomes the 6 that can bowl a bit at the higher levels

[Bewal Express]

Shehzad's innings today against India U19s in Asia Cup

That is some power from the young man.

[Saj]

Ijaz Ahmed is a huge fan of this lad and he wasn't a bad player himself.

Slightly unusual technique but can certainly whack a ball.

Can bowl fast-medium too. Exciting prospect.

[Giannis]

Another school drop out , current generation of young cricketers are all chitte unparrh . Why can't they finish their schooling and continue to play cricket.

Uh most American sportsmen are all either high school or college drop outs, same thing with top flight European footballers. The desi obsession with a piece of paper is kind of weird, this kid found his calling and he doesn't need a formal education for your validation.

[gazza619]

Wow, looks like a great prospect.

[The Googly]

Uh most American sportsmen are all either high school or college drop outs, same thing with top flight European footballers. The desi obsession with a piece of paper is kind of weird, this kid found his calling and he doesn't need a formal education for your validation.

Muhammad Ali
Pele
Messi
Ronaldo of Brazil
Ronaldo of Portugal
Rivaldo
Sobers
Ronaldinho
Michael Jordan
Magic Johnson

Many many more

All had very little or no education.

Poverty does not allow all Pakistanis to get an education sadly. The main thing is their cricketing talent not their ability to speak English or their knowledge of Chemistry.

I find it wierd too. People seem embarrassed because Pakistani players can’t converse in English. That’s a social issue in Pakistan that needs addressing. 100% agree. But it does not impact their cricket.

[Monsee]

Muhammad Ali
Pele
Messi
Ronaldo of Brazil
Ronaldo of Portugal
Rivaldo
Sobers
Ronaldinho
Michael Jordan
Magic Johnson

Many many more

All had very little or no education.

Poverty does not allow all Pakistanis to get an education sadly. The main thing is their cricketing talent not their ability to speak English or their knowledge of Chemistry.

I find it wierd too. People seem embarrassed because Pakistani players can’t converse in English. That’s a social issue in Pakistan that needs addressing. 100% agree. But it does not impact their cricket.

Not sure about others but I thought MJ did attend UNC (that is where he became famous too) and I checked: Wikipedia has this 'MJ studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984. Despite his tremendous success in the NBA, Jordan went back to UNC to finish his bachelor's degree in geography'

Magic Johnson seems to have a bachelor's degree as well

[The Googly]

Not sure about others but I thought MJ did attend UNC (that is where he became famous too) and I checked: Wikipedia has this 'MJ studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984. Despite his tremendous success in the NBA, Jordan went back to UNC to finish his bachelor's degree in geography'

Magic Johnson seems to have a bachelor's degree as well

I stand corrected - I got the wrong basketball stars. Several of them (Barkeley?) have no education. The point being so many all time greats have no education.

[Greenstorm]

That crab stance aka fakhar zamans style wont work as an opener

Working well for Fakhar zaman though.
Slightly opened stance helps in power hitting.
This ain't 1980s.

[Omer2002]

Working well for Fakhar zaman though.
Slightly opened stance helps in power hitting.
This ain't 1980s.

And how exactly has it worked for fakhar..he has made one or two good innings thats about it..

[Angrez Pakistani]

His batting style seems a bit like Hassan Ali. Should be a hot property in next PSL but knowing PSL some franchise will ‘discover’ him five years from now after he establishes his career in domestic cricket.

[Greenstorm]

And how exactly has it worked for fakhar..he has made one or two good innings thats about it..

One or two good innings ? Check his ODI stats.
Fakhar is elite ODI opener.

[Saj]

Seems like Shehzad was the only one of the main batter to at least show some promise in the ACC U19 Asia Cup.

Scores of 0 81 29 and 30.

[Omer2002]

He was under bowled too. 4 overs for 8 runs last match yet didnt bowl again v strange. Qasim.Akram really messed up with his captaincy

[Saj]

He was under bowled too. 4 overs for 8 runs last match yet didnt bowl again v strange. Qasim.Akram really messed up with his captaincy

Agree.

Should have bowled much more than he did in the U19 Asia Cup.

[MenInG]

Done well against Canada U19s in warm-up - scored 67

[MenInG]

Wonderful six vs Afghanistan

Shehzad out for 43 eventually

[gazza619]

That on drive was class.

The next Babar Azam, this lad.

[Omer2002]

I am more interested in his bowling if he can be next Kallis...what an dream for pak would that be

[shah_1]

Really impressed

[Omer2002]

Y hasnt qasim used his bowling

[ethan hunt]

This guy is one hell of a talent.
Great striker. Wonderful wrists

[Nasty Naz]

I was impressed by him. Looks like the most talented batsmen on the team.

[Saj]

Y hasnt qasim used his bowling

Only 1 ball today and that was impressive.

Very surprising that he's not getting more of a chance with the ball.

[Omer2002]

Only 1 ball today and that was impressive.

Very surprising that he's not getting more of a chance with the ball.

Absolutely Saj thats my point the balance of the team could be much better

[Muhammad Saad]

Him not bowling and Faisal Akram not playing is baffling

[Last Monetarist]

Highlights of his batting against Afghanistan (amongst other batters)

[Omer2002]

Him not bowling and Faisal Akram not playing is baffling

precisley....faisal is a mystery spinner and will all be attacking to get wickets

[MenInG]

Muhammad Shehzad's back-to-back sixes has been voted the @Nissan #POTD winner from the Pakistan v Afghanistan #U19CWC clash �� pic.twitter.com/YwbAl3iOkP

— ICC (@ICC) January 21, 2022

[Firebat]

Shehzad given the ball quite early today, in the 11th over, in this match against PNG. Let's see how he gets on.

[Firebat]

Shehzad given the ball quite early today, in the 11th over, in this match against PNG. Let's see how he gets on.

And picks a wicket in his 3rd over!

[Firebat]

Picks up a 2nd wicket, fantastic spell so far. Both short/back of a length deliveries caught by the keeper.

5-2-7-2 his figures thus far.

[shaaik]

Got a 5fer .. seems to have the makings of a good all rounder ..

[Firebat]

Picks up a 5-fer in just 6.4 overs. Fantastic bowling.

[Saj]

Bowling stats today make a mockery of his lack of opportunity with the ball in previous matches.

[Artaxerxes]

He is better bowler than the team captain.He should have bowled 5-6 overs in previous matches.The management and captain are making poor decisions regarding bowling and batting order.

[Firebat]

Shehzad's 5/7 against PNG today:

[Muhammad Saad]

They are not managing this team well Muhammad Zeeshan, Faisal Akram and Shehzad are much better than the bowlers which are bowling now.

[MenInG]

They are not managing this team well Muhammad Zeeshan, Faisal Akram and Shehzad are much better than the bowlers which are bowling now.

M Zeeshan is a travelling reserve - he cannot play.

[Last Monetarist]

Let's see how he responds under the pressure of a big second innings chase today, will tell us quite a bit about his temperament.

[Last Monetarist]

Dismissed for 9: caught behind.

Disappointing end.

[Omer2002]

He was leaving the ball typical pak wicket

[shamaan]

Averaged less than 20 in this world cup simply just poor.

[Omer2002]

Allthe batters were poor really really disappointed...a team we beat in afganistan reach the semis amazing

[MenInG]

Graeme Swann "Muhammad Shehzad looked incredible today. He really reminds me of Younis Khan when he plays. The way he shapes up and the shots he plays" #U19CWC #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) February 3, 2022

[MenInG]

Graeme Swann "Muhammad Shehzad looked incredible today. He really reminds me of Younis Khan when he plays. The way he shapes up and the shots he plays" #U19CWC #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) February 3, 2022

Has impressed all.

[Wahid1234]

Has impressed all.

Let’s hope he kicks on and works hard on his game looks a real talent

[PakEngFan]

Let’s hope he kicks on and works hard on his game looks a real talent

He’s has by far the most potential in the team with the bat but needs a lot of work and he needs to work hard himself.

[shamaan]

I expected more from him.

[MenInG]

Thank you Sir Graeme Swann, your appreciation means a lot. It is a great honour for me to resemble like one of the all times great Younis Khan bahi. https://t.co/qrJZcFSCgr

— Muhammad Shehzad (@immshehzad27) February 4, 2022

[MenInG]

U19 player Mohammad Shahzad has replaced James Faulkner in the Quetta Gladiators squad for the remainder of the HBL PSL Tournament

[Saj]

Shehzad whilst being picked by QG for PSL7 never actually joined the squad as he was called up too late and was in Multan when they were to play there last group match in Lahore. He didn't actually know that he had been called up by QG also.

But it seems like it's a tactical move by QG to sign him up this season and most likely retain him for PSL8, at least that's what one would expect.

[Saj]

Definitely one of the brightest young talents in Pakistan at the moment.

Hopefully his opportunities will increase in the coming seasons.

[shamaan]

Why isn't he playing for one of the domestic teams ?

[MenInG]

Playing for VVV Club in The Netherlands

[Titan24]

Solid final over bowled by him in KPL today with 2 runs for 2 wickets defending 12 runs. Surely an upcoming all rounder to look forward to in Pakistan.

[Omer2002]

Has struggled in his batting so far but i dont like kids in 2020s anyways

[Titan24]

Has struggled in his batting so far but i dont like kids in 2020s anyways

Thats true but, he has only played couple of innings and even one out of them became an 8 over match or so.

He has the basic potential, if he keeps focus on his game he should come good as he matures.