DUBAI: Rising fast bowler Mohammad Ilyas had made an instant mark in Pakistan’s domestic cricket, taking 10 wickets on his first-class debut for Peshawar against Islamabad last year.

The 20-year-old returned figures of five for 69 and five for 61 in last October and then backed it up with figures of four for 69 and five for 44 against Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to finish with an amazing haul 33 wickets in just five games of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy National Cricket Championship.

Ilyas was then picked up by Multan Sultans for the ongoing fourth edition of HBL Pakistan Super League. Needless to say he is trying his best to live up to his potential.

“It’s fantastic to be selected in the PSL,” Ilyas said in an interview. “I was playing a first-class match during which I got a call from the coach informing that I will be part of the PSL with the Sultans squad. I then thought my hard work had started to pay-off.”

Ilyas immediately made everyone take notice of him with his speed and the ability to swing the ball. He has so far managed four wickets in four matches with a best of two for 21 against a formidable Islamabad United batting line-up.

“It’s been great and everyone in the Sultans camp is supporting me and the encouragement is a tonic and I am hopeful that my good performance will help me get a place in the Pakistan team,” vowed Ilyas.

Ilyas said his parents never stopped him from playing cricket.

“I belong to a religious family, but they never stopped me from playing cricket. My father and grandfather are all religious scholars,” said Ilyas. “I am thankful to my elder brothers Saeed-ur-Rehman, Shabbir and Zia as they not only supported me financially but also used to help me get me permission from the parents.”

“My father never stops me, but all the time advises me of hard work.”

Ilyas played his initial cricket in Peshawar and based his bowling on former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif and England’s James Anderson.

“I started playing in club cricket in Peshawar. I had seniors like Rizwan, Iftikhar and had coach in [former Pakistan fast bowler] Fazl-e-Akbar, and they guided me well. I was helped by Abdul Rehman and they all guided me so well that I became a good player.”

The PSL platform is Ilyas’ second step and he hopes to shine here and go to higher levels.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2019