Pakistan Under-19 bowler Ziaul Haq feels legend Wasim Akram is a cricketer who is looked upon as a hero by many cricketers in Pakistan and to get his guidance is brilliant. Zia said working with Wasim at his training camp was a fantastic opportunity. “Wasim is idolized as a hero by many cricketers in Pakistan and to receive advice and guidance from him was brilliant,” Zia told in an interview to Pakpassion.
Zia said that Wasim spoke with him about the length he bowled particularly with the new ball. “Wasim felt that I was bowling slightly too short with the new ball and wanted me to make an adjustment in pitching the new ball further up to the batsman. I took on board his advice and I feel it’s made a difference,” he added.
Talking about the fast bowling in Pakistan, Zia said Pakistan have always had great fast bowlers over the years and there is always a hype created when a young fast bowler does well at junior level and in domestic cricket.
“The targets I have set myself are to improve and to perform with consistency in domestic cricket. Over the years we have seen the selectors give youngsters a chance so let’s see,” he said adding that his plans are to perform well in domestic cricket and to play for his country.
Zia said that the more junior tours that can be organised outside of Asia, the better it will be for Pakistan cricket and for the development of young cricketers. “I have spoken with current and former international cricketers and they all say that it always helps if you have had the chance to tour a country at a junior level before playing international cricket there,” he said.
Zia had made his First-class debut in October 2010 at the age of 15 against Islamabad in a Quaid i Azam Trophy fixture in which he had match figures of 5 for 89 in 27.3 overs. Currently Zia is a key member of the current Pakistan U19 squad which is participating in the Tri-Nation Tournament in England.
