Wasim Akram: “I think this young fast bowler from Pakistan who hasn’t played for Pakistan yet, Ali Raza, he’s got a bright future ahead”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Legendary Pakistan left-arm pacer Wasim Akram believes 17-year-old fast bowler Ali Raza has “got a bright future ahead.”
Raza has already garnered plenty of attention as he has produced a number of magical performances with the ball.
He was particularly impressive during the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he claimed 12 wickets in nine matches for the Peshawar Zalmi at an average of 25.25 and an economy rate of 9.18.
Raza has also showcased his capabilities in first-class cricket, having taken 32 wickets in six games, which includes two five-wicket hauls, at an average of 20.50.
Wasim wants the teenage sensation to keep developing his skills in red-ball cricket as it will automatically help him succeed in the limited overs formats as well.
“I very rarely watch Pakistan first-class cricket, but I think this young fast bowler from Pakistan who hasn’t played for Pakistan yet, Ali Raza, he’s got a bright future ahead. If he’s in the right hands, if he knows what he has to do to be a top red-ball bowler, white-ball will follow automatically,” Wasim told Wisden Cricket.
Pakistan are now involved in a home series against South Africa and began by drawing the two-Test series 1-1.
Both sides subsequently played three T20Is, with the men in green coming out on top 2-1.
In regards to the ongoing three-match ODI series, it is tied at 1-1 going into the 3rd ODI on November 8 in Faisalabad.
Following the South Africa series, Pakistan will challenge Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series from November 11 to 15, before joining a T20I tri-series with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29.
Pakistan squad for South Africa ODI Series: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka ODI Series: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem