Mohammad Ali: “I have met Wasim and Waqar multiple times and questioned them regarding the technicalities of fast bowling. They were always kind enough to guide me by giving tips”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali has admitted that he was lucky enough to receive tips and advice from legendary fast bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
He admitted to idolising the duo, along with Shoaib Akhtar, who holds the record for the fastest ball bowled in international cricket at 161.3 kph (100.2 mph).
In addition to these three Pakistan icons, Ali called South Africa pace maestro Dale Steyn and New Zealand swing specialist Shane Bond his “inspirations”.
“Pakistan cricket is full of legends with historic performances for the country. I am inspired by Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar. I have grown up watching their bowling clips. Dale Steyn and Shane Bond are also my inspirations,” he told Geo News.
“I have met Wasim and Waqar multiple times and questioned them regarding the technicalities of fast bowling. They were always kind enough to guide me by giving tips.”
Ali was on fire in the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker with 19 wickets in 12 matches for the Multan Sultans at an average of 18.63 and an economy rate of 8.23.
Most recently, he was in action for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited in the President’s Cup Grade-I (1-Day) tournament and was the third-highest wicket-taker with 10 wickets in six games at an average of 21.50.
Despite his form, Ali was not picked for Pakistan’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand or the three-match T20I series against Ireland.
Pakistan’s next assignment will see them play four T20Is against England from May 22 to May 30.
Following this, they will take part in the 2024 T20 World Cup, which will be played in the West Indies and United States of America from June 1 to 29.
Pakistan’s first T20 World Cup game will be against the United States of America in Dallas on June 6.
Pakistan Squad for Ireland and England T20I Series: Babar Azam (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan