SWABI, July 16: Youngsters in Swabi have a talent for cricket and many of them have a good chance of representing Pakistan in international cricket like Junaid Khan, many in the district opine.

The opinion was shared by them with the participants of a function organised at Gohati Cricket Stadium to honour left-arm fast bowler Junaid Khan, a local, on his return from Sri Lanka as part of national team.

District Cricket Association (DCA) organised the function, where cricketers, cricket experts, administration officials and people showed up in large numbers.

Mr Junaid, who was given a warm welcome in his hometown on return from Sri Lanka, took around three hours to cover 15 kilometres between Motorway and Gohati Cricket Stadium.

Member of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s governing body for Abbottabad region Aamir Nawab told participants that Pakistan lost test series to Sri Lanka but found talented youngsters like Junaid Khan on the tour.

“We had expected good performance from Junaid and he lived up to our expectation by taking 14 wickets in three matches.

“His blowing reminded us of the bowling of legendary bowler Wasim Akram. We, the people of Swabi, are proud of him and expect much more than that from him in future,” he said.

Mr Aamir said youngsters were Pakistani cricket’s bright future.

“Our region has produced cricketers like Junaid Khan and Yasir Shah and many more will follow them in the days ahead,” he said.

People’s Youth Organisation provincial president Gohar Inqilabi said Mr Junaid earned a good name for the country in general and for his hometown in particular by performing well during Sri Lankan tour.

“He’s a source of inspiration for young cricketers in the district,” he said.

Swabi Qaumi Mahaz general secretary Liaquat Yusufzai said Junaid was a talented youngster and it was only the talent of this young guy from faraway Swabi district that took him to international cricket.

Later, Mr Junaid told Dawn that he had been striving to claim a permanent place in Pakistan’s one-day squad.

“I believe in working hard and always did so. The people, who work hard, achieve success in life,” he said.