(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Future of Pakistan’s Red-Ball Cricket: Rising U21 Stars in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
Oct 24, 2025
Pakistan’s red-ball cricket is witnessing a fresh wave of young talent as Under-21 (U21) players take center stage in this year’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the country’s top First-Class tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it mandatory for each regional team to include at least one U21 player in their playing XI — a move aimed at strengthening the Test cricket pipeline.
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, long considered the ultimate test of skill and temperament, remains the premier platform for players aspiring to wear the Test cap. This season, despite weather delays and last-minute team announcements, the spotlight firmly rests on these promising youngsters who represent the future of Pakistan’s red-ball cricket.
Rising Young Cricketers Across Regions
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Abbottabad: Shahzaib Khan, a former Pakistan U19 opener, continues to impress with his resilience and growing maturity.
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Bahawalpur: Mohammad Ammar has emerged as a reliable middle-order batter, averaging over 40 in early First-Class appearances.
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Faisalabad: Faham-ul-Haq Khan is determined to prove critics wrong with strong all-round performances.
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FATA: Mohammad Farooq is making his First-Class debut after excelling in domestic T20 competitions.
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Islamabad: Raja Hamza Waheed and Shamyl Hussain headline a promising duo of young batters making steady progress.
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Karachi Blues: Talents like Fahad Amin, Haroon Arshad, and Saad Baig are strengthening Karachi’s youthful core.
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Lahore Whites: Speedsters Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Salman are emerging as future pace assets.
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Multan: Mohammad Ismail and Mohammad Shan are leading a new generation of fast bowlers.
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Peshawar: Mohammad Abuzar, Mohammad Irfan, and Najab Khan bring variety and balance to their side.
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Sialkot: Afzaal Manzoor and Ahmed Hasan continue to shine as dependable all-rounders and wicket-keepers.
Building the Next Test Generation
These U21 cricketers are more than just squad fillers — they are the building blocks for Pakistan’s future in Test cricket. With players like Shamyl Hussain, Saad Baig, and Ubaid Shah already showcasing maturity beyond their years, the country’s red-ball setup seems to be entering a promising new era.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how these emerging stars perform under pressure and carry the legacy of Pakistan’s greats forward.
About the Author: Zaid Babar Khan — Data geek, cricket fanatic, and a proud supporter of Haris Rauf and Lahore Qalandars.
