LAHORE: Karachi Kings’ towering emerging pacer Rizwanullah, known for his raw pace and ability to clock up to 145 kmph, is set to make headlines in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 after receiving his debut cap.
The 17-year-old right-arm fast bowler, a product of the Karachi Kings Talent Hunt Program, caught the eye of the franchise’s High Performance Coach Mohammad Masroor during a tournament in the provincial capital.
He has represented Karachi Whites at the U-19 level and has also featured in domestic Grade Two cricket.
“I was playing a tournament match in Karachi when Masroor bhai was watching. I bowled well in that match, and after that, he was impressed with my bowling,” Rizwanullah said.
Inspired by former Australian speedster Brett Lee, the teenage pacer, who stands at 6 feet 7 inches, is capable of bowling at speeds of up to 145 kilometers per hour.
He has also played for Port Qasim in Grade Two cricket, where he has a five-wicket haul to his name.
“Brett Lee is my favorite bowler,” he continued.
Masroor Ahmed has closely monitored Rizwanullah’s rise over the past year, with special attention given to his training, diet, and fitness.
“He is 6 feet 7 inches tall and has previously played for Karachi Under-19. He can bowl at 145 Kmph,” Masroor said.
“He has also played Grade Two cricket for Port Qasim, where he took five wickets in one match,” he recalled.
The teenager has impressed many and was also invited to Pakistan’s Test camp during Jason Gillespie’s tenure as head coach.
“Last year, when Jason Gillespie was coach, Rizwanullah was also called up to the Test camp,” Masroor said.
“The teenager has been monitored over the past year, with special focus on his training, diet, and fitness. I hope he will prove to be a good player for Karachi Kings,” he concluded.