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It still looks like a dream

Bilawal Bhatti. — KT photo by Mukesh Kamal

Pakistan has tradition of producing quality fast bowlers from nowhere and they have played a key role in the team’s success at international level.

The country has produced some of the best in the world — Fazal Mahmood, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Mohammad Zahid. But the country’s reputation of producing the best fast bowlers in the world has suffered in recent years and the over reliance on spin is becoming a huge concern.

The provinces of Punjab and Pakhtunkhwa (formerly known as North West Frontier Post) are fertile grounds for producing this special breed. The geography and eating habits play a major part in producing tall and sturdy built which is helpful to become a successful fast bowler.

Bilawal Bhatti is the new addition to the Pakistani fast bowling pedigree. He is a promising all-rounder who can bowl at over 140kph, can also hit the ball a fair distance lower down the order and a good fielder. He made his ODI debut against South Africa in Cape Town in 2013, and made his mark immediately with bat and ball, smashing 39 off 25 balls, and taking 3 for 37 in a Pakistan win.

The self-made Bhatti hails from a farmer family and the eldest of the six siblings (five brothers and one sister).

While talking to Khaleej Times exclusively, he narrated his journey into the international cricket by saying: “I played street cricket a lot as every child does in our rural Punjab. I come from Narowal (Sialkot) and spent my childhood with my maternal uncles in Muridke (near Lahore) for the sake of studies.

“I stayed in Muridke until I passed my Grade 10 examination and was involved in school cricket. Then I moved to Gujranwala and got admission in Punjab College. I was captain of the college team for two years.

“In the meantime, I got selected for the U-19 team which helped me a lot to grow as a cricketer. Proper coaching helped me to learn the tricks of the trade which paved the way for my first class cricket.

“I have been part of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited team for four years and have played every match since then.”

To play for national team is always ultimate goal for a young cricketer and it was no exception in the case of the 22-years-old boy from Punjab.

“I have been performing well in first class cricket for a couple of years with the ball and bat as well. When I got the news that I have been selected in the team touring South Africa, I was over the moon. It still looks like a dream for me and the excitement hasn’t sunk in yet even after playing half a dozen matches.

“I feel lucky that I was part of the Pakistan team which won their first ever one-day series against South Africa in their own backyard and I was able to contribute a little bit in that cause.

“I am aware of the fact that it is a rare chance for me to represent Pakistan and I don’t want to let this slip out of my hands.

“I will try my best to perform well in future and be part of a successful team because ‘God helps those who help themselves’.”

Youngsters need congenial atmosphere around them to grow as successful players. Pakistan team is managed by former Test captain Moin Khan and calm and cool Misbahul Haq is the captain of the side. Bhatti looks like a good investment and he can improve a lot under the eyes of Moin and Misbah.

“It is an ideal atmosphere to be in as a youngster. The management is ready to help youngsters and results are quite evident,” Bhatti said.

When asked about his idol Bhatti said: “Andrew Flintoff was my idol because I liked his bowling and batting as well. And most of our emerging fast bowlers grew up watching Pakistan’s Sultans of swing — Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. I am one of them and these two Ws have left an indelible mark in the history of Pakistan fast bowling. I still feel privileged and honoured whenever I get a chance to meet these legends.”