Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed has announced that a new generation of speedsters who can average above 150 kph is being developed and that 3 to 4 pacers will compete in the next season.
In an interview with former Pakistan captain Salman Butt on the PCB Podcast, Aaqib said that the Pakistan cricketing identity is always about having a good pace bowling unit and the board is now set on making that tradition come alive once again.
He revealed that they will soon have three to four bowlers who could now hit 150kph or higher, who started training now and will be added for the upcoming season.
Aaqib has added that raw pace is the most important quality that is being looked for in the squad, as seen with Ubaid Shah.
“Ubaid has been chosen because he is a genuine fast bowler compared to the many bowlers in the domestic circuit who are more medium pacers”, said Aaqib Javed.
He acknowledged that lack of good pace bowlers and pace all-rounders was the major problem with Pakistan in recent years but added that the PCB has identified several good and promising youngsters to fill the void.
Ali Raza, Subhan, Abuzar are players who regularly bowl in the 146kph category and Razaullah can get over 145kph, were pointed out as emerging names by Aaqib Javed.
He also hailed Jhang’s Qayyum Khan as a “gem”, after the youngster was said to have crossed the 150kph mark.
PCB will conduct a crash course in summer for these bowlers before they are ready to join top cricket next season.
Aaqib also talked about leadership, stating that the number one role of a captain is to achieve results and move the team forward.
He explained that despite being there for almost three years, he didn’t see the expected improvement in the side with former Test captain Shan Masood.
Techniques of captaincy, like planning bowling order changes, determining the toss and applying the Decision Review System (DRS), are part of what makes the role successful, he added.
Read more: Aaqib warns growing league culture is harmful to test cricket development
FAQs
Q: How many 150kph bowlers does the PCB expect to introduce?
A: Aaqib Javed said the PCB expects three to four bowlers capable of bowling above 150kph to be ready next season.
Q: Which young fast bowlers did Aaqib Javed mention?
A: He named Ubaid Shah, Ali Raza, Subhan, Abuzar, Razaullah and Qayyum Khan as part of Pakistan’s emerging pace-bowling pool.
Q: Why did Aaqib Javed mention Shan Masood?
A: Aaqib said the progress expected during Shan Masood’s tenure as Test captain did not materialise and stressed that a captain is ultimately judged by results and tactical decision-making.
Also read: Aaqib Javed defends Babar Azam’s appointment as Pakistan Test captain
