Tag: Fawad Ali

Karachi Kings’ emerging fast bowler Fawad Ali has outpaced all others to become the quickest bowler of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Fawad Ali set the speed gun ablaze in the PSL as he leads the charts for the fastest deliveries bowled in the ongoing edition.

The Swat-born speedster bowled a 149.75 kmph thunderbolt to Mohammad Rizwan during the Karachi Kings’ clash against Multan Sultans.

Fawad Ali has been impressive in the tournament so far, having not conceded a single six in the tournament.

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Fawad Ali, a product of the Karachi Kings Talent Hunt Program, dismissed Quetta’s Hasan Nawaz for 35 to claim his first wicket in T20 cricket.

Fawad was part of the squad in HBL PSL 9 as a replacement for Tim Seifert. However, it was during his time at the Karachi Kings Academy, under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff, that he truly developed.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Fawad Ali progress earned him a place in the Emerging Category for PSL 10, and he has continued to grow with each passing game.

For the unversed, Fawad’s rise is the stuff of dreams. Starting out as a tape-ball cricketer back home in Swat, it was the Karachi Kings’ open trials in 2023 that changed the course of his life.

It’s worth mentioning that the Karachi Kings are currently in third place with six points, having won three out of six games.

The 2020 champions started the tournament with an emphatic victory against Multan Sultans, chasing a mammoth 235. The Kings also defeated Quetta Gladiators convincingly by 56 runs.

They will now face the bottom-ranked Multan Sultans in the upcoming fixture on May 1 at Multan Cricket Stadium.

READ: Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen proposes formation of board to drive PSL growth

LAHORE: From playing tennis-ball cricket in the hills of Swat to striking under the Gaddafi Stadium lights, Karachi Kings’ emerging pacer Fawad Ali took a big step in his professional career on Friday, claiming his maiden wicket in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The 20-year-old right-arm fast bowler, a product of the Karachi Kings Talent Hunt Program, made the breakthrough against Quetta Gladiators, removing Hasan Nawaz for 35 to register his first scalp in top-level T20 cricket.

Speaking during the innings break, a visibly emotional Fawad Ali credited the moment to divine blessing.

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“First of all, I thank Allah Almighty for granting me this honour and helping me get my first wicket,” Fawad said.

Fawad’s rise is the stuff of dreams. Starting out as a tape-ball cricketer back home in Swat, it was the Karachi Kings’ open trials in 2023 that changed the course of his life.

“I used to play tennis-ball cricket before this,” he recalled. “When Karachi Kings held trials in our area, I topped them and stayed in contact with Masroor Bhai (Assistant Coach). Eventually, the franchise called me to Karachi for training.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Initially brought into the squad last season as a replacement player, Fawad honed his skills at the Karachi Kings Academy, where regular sessions under the coaching staff helped polish his raw pace and ability.

His growth was rewarded when he was picked in the Emerging Category for PSL 10.

Adding another special touch to his journey, Fawad spoke about the surreal experience of working with his childhood idol — and now mentor — Shaun Tait.

“When I started playing cricket, Shaun Tait was my ideal. Now he’s our bowling coach. It’s a dream come true, and I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much from him,” he said.

READ: ‘Hasan is a leader’: Shaun Tait applauds pacer’s role in Karachi Kings

From the serene valleys of Swat to the electric stadiums of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), fast bowler Fawad Ali is living his dream, thanks to the Karachi Kings’ Talent Hunt Program that first spotted his raw talent in 2023.

Fawad, who made his PSL debut on April 12 against Multan Sultans, expressed overwhelming joy that came with stepping onto the big stage.

“My debut was against Multan Sultans, and I was absolutely overjoyed. Sharing the field with senior players like our captain, David Warner, felt surreal,” he said.

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“Hasoo [Hasan Ali] was at mid-on while I was bowling. He kept guiding me throughout my spell, telling me what to do and how to execute it. I followed exactly what he advised, and that really helped.”

Despite the intensity of playing in front of a massive crowd for the first time, Fawad shared that he remained composed, thanks to the support of his seniors.

“I used to play a lot of tape-ball cricket, so the crowd or big stage didn’t put much pressure on me. Plus, with senior players around me in the field giving advice and support, it all felt manageable,” he stated.

Raised in a region with limited cricket infrastructure, Fawad vividly remembers the impact of Karachi Kings bringing trials to his hometown.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“It felt amazing that Karachi Kings organised trials in our area. We don’t have structured cricket like that in Swat. When they came, it felt like something truly different was happening. I gave the trials and Alhamdulillah, I topped them,” he added.

After being part of the squad in PSL 9 as a replacement for Tim Seifert, Fawad was officially drafted into the Emerging Category for PSL 10 following his growth at the Karachi Kings Academy, where he trained under the franchise’s professional coaching setup.

“My goal this season is to deliver my best performance in the PSL and, Insha’Allah, represent Pakistan in the future,” he concluded.

READ: ‘He is our best player’: Hasan Ali backs Babar Azam amid criticism