"Zia ul Haq Would Cycle 20 Kilometres to Attend Daily Practice" : Nadeem Iqbal

[Saj]

17 year old left arm pace bowler Zia ul Haq made an instant impression on his Super 8s Twenty20 Cup debut on Thursday when he took 5 for 23 for the Lahore Lions as they comfortably defeated the Faisalabad Wolves at the jam packed Rawalpindi stadium.

Bowling in excessive of 140kph, with aggression and seaming the ball away from the right handers, Zia impressed greatly. Naturally given his tender years he looked raw and inexperienced but the raw talent was there for everyone to see. Slightly built but in excess of 6 foot, Zia hit the deck hard and regularly beat the Faisalabad batsmen for pace.

Zia was a consistent performer for PIA in the recently concluded National One Day Cup where he took 13 wickets in only 7 matches at an impressive economy rate of 4.48 and an average of 21.84, helping PIA to take the domestic 50 over Division One championship.

The Vehari born fast bowler was also an integral part of the Pakistan Under 19 squad that toured South Africa and in the tri series against the hosts and Zimbabwe he took 12 wickets in 7 matches at an economy rate of 3.88 and an average of 14.83.

Following the tri series, Pakistan Under 19s played a 3 match series of 50 over matches against South Africa and in that series Zia took 5 wickets at an economy rate of 3.58 and an average of 17.20.

Speaking with PakPassion.net, former Multan and UBL fast bowler and current coach for the Gaggu Mandi cricket club Nadeem Iqbal spoke of his surprise and satisfaction at seeing Zia making rapid progress in first class cricket.

"Zia came to my attention when he was 13 or 14 years old when he attended a Pakistan Cricket Board talent hunt in Multan. I spotted him there and thought that he had something special about him. I selected him for our Under 15 team and he was also selected for the Multan Under 15 regional team. He's from the same city as Waqar Younis, Vehari, but there were no practice sessions taking place in Vehari. His family then moved from Vehari to a village around 10 kilometres from Gaggu Mandi."

"For two years Zia would then cycle on a daily basis to the Gaggu Mandi cricket club to attend practice sessions and matches. Even when there were no matches taking place Zia would be the first one there at the club to attend practice. His enthusiasm was there for all to see and he would be the first to arrive for practice and the last to leave."

"He is a quiet boy from a good family. Zia is a quick learner and very respectful of his coaches. I cannot fault his work ethic, he has a desire to do well and I hope that continues and he does well in future. I always enjoy catching up with him when he is back home and he always comes to see me to talk about his bowling and areas that he needs to work upon."

Speaking of Zia’s debut for PIA in October 2010, Iqbal further added that "The management at PIA came to me in 2010 stating that they were looking for a quick bowler. I recommended a couple of boys to them and the boys attended the PIA trials. The coaches at PIA were very impressed with Zia and thought very highly of him and signed him up quickly. Yes it's sad to see a boy that you have nurtured leave our club, but that is our aim, to produce such talent and for it to play on the higher stage.”

Referring to Zia's performance against Faisalabad, Iqbal stated "I didn't expect him to do so well so quickly if I am being honest. Yes he is good, but I never thought he would do so well immediately in international Under 19 cricket and then in first class cricket. I watched him the other night against Faisalabad and I was just praying that he bowls well, accurately and does himself justice. But for him to take 5 wickets was just sensational. I was also very pleased to hear him mention my name at the presentation ceremony, as sometimes cricketers forget their roots and forget about the people who put in the hard work with them at the start of their careers."

The Gaggu Mandi cricket club in Multan has previously produced Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Zahid whose career was unfortunately ended prematurely by injury, as well as left arm bowler Mohammad Irfan who also played for Pakistan in a couple of one day internationals in England in 2010. The club has also produced batsman Naved Yasin and now seems to have unearthed another gem in Zia Ul Haq. However Iqbal has concerns for the club and stated that they are relying almost entirely on local donations to keep the cricket club going.

"Unfortunately there is no central funding for the Gaggu Mandi cricket club. I'm very grateful to the local shopkeepers and cricket lovers who provide donations and cannot thank them enough for their support. They provide the club with donations whenever they can and whatever they can afford and that keeps us afloat."

"The Gaggu Mandi cricket club is an integral part of the community and has been so for the past 10 years. The local population have a real love and passion for cricket and are proud of the cricketers that we produce. It started with myself, then Zahid, then of course Irfan and other players have gone onto play domestic cricket too. There is a real desire in the community for the club to produce good cricketers."

"We had a second hand bowling machine for the past 6 years where we would hold night time practice sessions under lights. It proved to be very popular especially for the boys who could only attend after work, but unfortunately the bowling machine has broken down and we have not got the funds to purchase another bowling machine. The Gaggu Mandi cricket club is not just about local boys from the town playing and practising here, boys from all over the Multan region come here to practice and play cricket. We do not charge any of the boys to play or practice here, it is all free of charge. My only incentive is to see these boys go on and play in first class cricket and then improve further and play for Pakistan."

Iqbal a bowler who in his prime was regarded as bowling faster than Waqar Younis outlined his plans and dreams to build an academy at Gaggu Mandi, an area that he feels is a real hotbed for talented cricketers. "Sadly despite our efforts over the past decade there is no funding, there is no sponsorship and we have to be self sufficient and reliant upon local donations. I strongly believe that if we had the funding for an academy we would produce a lot of very talented cricketers who will go on and play for Pakistan."

[mrk]

I hope PCB start to fund academy like that who are doing a great job. Also if a player get picked these academies get bounus like in europeain footbal were clubs were boys comes from get some amount of money and that way these clubs keep making good players. Here in Norway clubs gets players from arround the world to train them so too sell them to big leagues like Premier League , La liga , Seria A etc and earn good money

[Hassan0987]

I wish him best of luck hope he plays more and more first class cricket, and InshAllah takes the step to international cricket

[Pakistaniboy]

Stamina wont be an issue then, Inshallah he will fill the gap in our fast bowling after some time in first class cricket

[liaqat]

this is where pcb can invest and protect these kids and grow them and guide them in the international cricket,
pay for his studies and give him training at the lahore academy,
that can only happen if pcb pay for his accomadations and stay in lahore.

its little things like this that make a difference,

[qadoos]

Originally Posted by Saj 17 year old left arm pace bowler Zia ul Haq made an instant impression on his Super 8s Twenty20 Cup debut on Thursday when he took 5 for 23 for the Lahore Lions as they comfortably defeated the Faisalabad Wolves at the jam packed Rawalpindi stadium. Bowling in excessive of 140kph, with aggression and seaming the ball away from the right handers, Zia impressed greatly. Naturally given his tender years he looked raw and inexperienced but the raw talent was there for everyone to see. Slightly built but in excess of 6 foot, Zia hit the deck hard and regularly beat the Faisalabad batsmen for pace. Zia was a consistent performer for PIA in the recently concluded National One Day Cup where he took 13 wickets in only 7 matches at an impressive economy rate of 4.48 and an average of 21.84, helping PIA to take the domestic 50 over Division One championship. The Vehari born fast bowler was also an integral part of the Pakistan Under 19 squad that toured South Africa and in the tri series against the hosts and Zimbabwe he took 12 wickets in 7 matches at an economy rate of 3.88 and an average of 14.83. Following the tri series, Pakistan Under 19s played a 3 match series of 50 over matches against South Africa and in that series Zia took 5 wickets at an economy rate of 3.58 and an average of 17.20. Speaking with PakPassion.net, former Multan and UBL fast bowler and current coach for the Gaggu Mandi cricket club Nadeem Iqbal spoke of his surprise and satisfaction at seeing Zia making rapid progress in first class cricket. "Zia came to my attention when he was 13 or 14 years old when he attended a Pakistan Cricket Board talent hunt in Multan. I spotted him there and thought that he had something special about him. I selected him for our Under 15 team and he was also selected for the Multan Under 15 regional team. He's from the same city as Waqar Younis, Vehari, but there were no practice sessions taking place in Vehari. His family then moved from Vehari to a village around 10 kilometres from Gaggu Mandi." "For two years Zia would then cycle on a daily basis to the Gaggu Mandi cricket club to attend practice sessions and matches. Even when there were no matches taking place Zia would be the first one there at the club to attend practice. His enthusiasm was there for all to see and he would be the first to arrive for practice and the last to leave." "He is a quiet boy from a good family. Zia is a quick learner and very respectful of his coaches. I cannot fault his work ethic, he has a desire to do well and I hope that continues and he does well in future. I always enjoy catching up with him when he is back home and he always comes to see me to talk about his bowling and areas that he needs to work upon." Speaking of Zia’s debut for PIA in October 2010, Iqbal further added that "The management at PIA came to me in 2010 stating that they were looking for a quick bowler. I recommended a couple of boys to them and the boys attended the PIA trials. The coaches at PIA were very impressed with Zia and thought very highly of him and signed him up quickly. Yes it's sad to see a boy that you have nurtured leave our club, but that is our aim, to produce such talent and for it to play on the higher stage.” Referring to Zia's performance against Faisalabad, Iqbal stated "I didn't expect him to do so well so quickly if I am being honest. Yes he is good, but I never thought he would do so well immediately in international Under 19 cricket and then in first class cricket. I watched him the other night against Faisalabad and I was just praying that he bowls well, accurately and does himself justice. But for him to take 5 wickets was just sensational. I was also very pleased to hear him mention my name at the presentation ceremony, as sometimes cricketers forget their roots and forget about the people who put in the hard work with them at the start of their careers." The Gaggu Mandi cricket club in Multan has previously produced Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Zahid whose career was unfortunately ended prematurely by injury, as well as left arm bowler Mohammad Irfan who also played for Pakistan in a couple of one day internationals in England in 2010. The club has also produced batsman Naved Yasin and now seems to have unearthed another gem in Zia Ul Haq. However Iqbal has concerns for the club and stated that they are relying almost entirely on local donations to keep the cricket club going. "Unfortunately there is no central funding for the Gaggu Mandi cricket club. I'm very grateful to the local shopkeepers and cricket lovers who provide donations and cannot thank them enough for their support. They provide the club with donations whenever they can and whatever they can afford and that keeps us afloat." "The Gaggu Mandi cricket club is an integral part of the community and has been so for the past 10 years. The local population have a real love and passion for cricket and are proud of the cricketers that we produce. It started with myself, then Zahid, then of course Irfan and other players have gone onto play domestic cricket too. There is a real desire in the community for the club to produce good cricketers." "We had a second hand bowling machine for the past 6 years where we would hold night time practice sessions under lights. It proved to be very popular especially for the boys who could only attend after work, but unfortunately the bowling machine has broken down and we have not got the funds to purchase another bowling machine. The Gaggu Mandi cricket club is not just about local boys from the town playing and practising here, boys from all over the Multan region come here to practice and play cricket. We do not charge any of the boys to play or practice here, it is all free of charge. My only incentive is to see these boys go on and play in first class cricket and then improve further and play for Pakistan." Iqbal a bowler who in his prime was regarded as bowling faster than Waqar Younis outlined his plans and dreams to build an academy at Gaggu Mandi, an area that he feels is a real hotbed for talented cricketers. "Sadly despite our efforts over the past decade there is no funding, there is no sponsorship and we have to be self sufficient and reliant upon local donations. I strongly believe that if we had the funding for an academy we would produce a lot of very talented cricketers who will go on and play for Pakistan."

i also spoke to Nadeem Today he told me he spoke to you,also how pleased he was for zia ul haq's progression,he also mentioned his Academy how it could be improved with help of sponsorship,I believe board should get people like Nadeem to scout on their behalf or more offer him a coaching role linked with Academy.

[Golden arm]

saj / qadoos

is there any way we can raise money (Pakpassion members) atleast for bowling machine which nadeem iqbal can use for his academy /club??

[qadoos]

Originally Posted by Golden arm saj / qadoos is there any way we can raise money (Pakpassion members) atleast for bowling machine which nadeem iqbal can use for his academy /club??

good idea

[w8in_4_0402]

Give these sort of academies the funding and see how much more talent will be unearth.

Having jyst one workd class academy for the whole nation is of no use really.

[qadoos]

Originally Posted by w8in_4_0402 Give these sort of academies the funding and see how much more talent will be unearth. Having jyst one workd class academy for the whole nation is of no use really.

you are right,we need to create more regional academies which are easy accessable to everybody, not only to elite.

[chacha kashmiri]

The next ntini, he should be picked for the bangladesh tour

[PakPrince]

a lot of left armers coming through the 'system'

bhai ka jadoo

[shaz619]

Originally Posted by Golden arm saj / qadoos is there any way we can raise money (Pakpassion members) atleast for bowling machine which nadeem iqbal can use for his academy /club??

Excellent Idea am sure Pakpassion members will dig in to there pockets and donate whatever they can in the help of raising funds for not only the academy nadeem bhai works at but also the areas in pakistan which have no facilities at all, it will defo benefit pakistan cricket amd am sure talent will be unearthed, however the negative is that the PCB should be doing all of this :/

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by shaz619 Excellent Idea am sure Pakpassion members will dig in to there pockets and donate whatever they can in the help of raising funds for not only the academy nadeem bhai works at but also the areas in pakistan which have no facilities at all, it will defo benefit pakistan cricket amd am sure talent will be unearthed, however the negative is that the PCB should be doing all of this :/

Another Negative is our corrupt PCB

[amarmak]

Well its simple really.... Saj should send his list for bowling coach probables to Dav.

There should be only one name in that list. Nadeem Iqbal

[wasim-fan]

Very inspiring story indeed! Hope he does well.

[musaarthali]

He is from same place as Waqar...did Waqar done some thing to help these guys??

[AamchiMumbaikar]

hope he is the next Amir (in terms of cricketing talent)

[Saj]

Originally Posted by Golden arm saj / qadoos is there any way we can raise money (Pakpassion members) atleast for bowling machine which nadeem iqbal can use for his academy /club??

That is the plan.

In fact I had already drafted the idea up.

Watch this space.

[hasanmehmoodkhan]

i hope PCB makes training camps and facilities all across Pakistan

[Monsee]

I think Waqar had a similar story i.e. he had to bicycle 1-2 hours each way to play a game and look how he went on to becomes such a legend...hope Zia goes on to do even greater things but he needs to be taken under the wings of a proper bowling coach. By that I mean someone who can help not only with his bowling/action/swing/RS etc. but also properly guide him in to developing a better physique.

And no, regarding my comment 'developing a better physique', it does not mean making him look like a body builder

[Saj]

Yes Monsee, Mohammad Zahid told PakPassion that Waqar would cycle 25km to play matches too.

[mohsinr12]

I will happily contribute for a bowling machine for this club

[PakPlayer]

Am from Vehari in Pakistan. Its great to read that the young prospect is from my home town. Everyone talks about Waqar in Vehari, its nice to have another fast prodigy. Good luck boy.

[PTI tsunami]

Nadeem Iqbal played here in Sheffield for a few seasons and I can safely say that from all the overseas we have had over the years he is easily the nicest bloke you could meet and also was very fast

[Square Drive]

Very inspiring. May Allah give the young boy an international chance.

[Singham]

Cycling for 5 kms max would be good. But not more than that. I know a guy who had suffered hydrosil at an young age due to excessive cycling. Hope he gets a motor cycle.

[Golden arm]

Originally Posted by Singham Cycling for 5 kms max would be good. But not more than that. I know a guy who had suffered hydrosil at an young age due to excessive cycling. Hope he gets a motor cycle.

testicular hydrocoele

[MenInG]

Hopefully the GMCC appeal will help create more such fast bowlers for Pak

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by Saj Yes Monsee, Mohammad Zahid told PakPassion that Waqar would cycle 25km to play matches too.

Now that's passion and determination! And what a legend he became!

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by MenInG Hopefully the GMCC appeal will help create more such fast bowlers for Pak

Just a question, what appeal is that? Thanks.

[Gattuso]

Didn't Shoaib Malik have a similar story as well ?... sleeping on the streets before some of the local matches or something along those lines... now he is one of the most hated cricketers in Pak.

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by Gattuso Didn't Shoaib Malik have a similar story as well ?... sleeping on the streets before some of the local matches or something along those lines... now he is one of the most hated cricketers in Pak.

Shoaib Malik sleeping on streets? I haven't read his story but I doubt he needed to sleep on streets. Doesn't he blong to a rich Malik family who has contacts with the top politicians in the country?

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Originally Posted by Gattuso Didn't Shoaib Malik have a similar story as well ?... sleeping on the streets before some of the local matches or something along those lines... now he is one of the most hated cricketers in Pak.

that was , malik is known for being well connected, especially with out information minister

[Gattuso]

I mean before he got into the team..

I clearly remember on the eve of his wedding how the Indian channels going on and on about how Malik started off as a member of a very humble family with 7-8 members...didn't have money to afford transportation to and from local games so preferred to sleep on the streets outside the ground etc etc

Was that all just media BS ? !!

[pakcricketfan]

Originally Posted by IAJ Just a question, what appeal is that? Thanks.

Details about the Help GMCC appeal: http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/sh...d.php?t=151933

And here's why we need to help them: http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/sh...d.php?t=152715

[Namak_Halaal]

My Grandfather would narrate the hardship he faced when raising his children in Pakistan. My parents tell me of the times they had to study under a dim candle light in Pakistan. I could tell you stories of how I would stack shelves in Tescos just to make ends meet.

Sorry, but I think Zia ul Haq cycling 20 KMs is a non-story. If he’s expecting sympathy, there’s none from me because we all face challenges and hardship when perusing our dreams. Why is a cricketer any different?

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by pakcricketfan Details about the Help GMCC appeal: http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/sh...d.php?t=151933 And here's why we need to help them: http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/sh...d.php?t=152715

Oh I see. Thanks.

[IAJ]

He hasn't played in the last matches in Asia cup.

Anyone got more information on this? Thanks in advance.

[Golden arm]

this is what i was wondering too?
will he be able to play in finals? its absolutely crucial for Pakistan chances to win asia cup.

[Zeeraq]

I was wondering it too

Maybe he's injured?

[IAJ]

More bad newz for Pakistan:

News of Usman Qadir who went off with a finger injury sustained in the field after bowling four overs, is that he's gone to hospital for X-rays.

Hope it's nothing serious with both of them.

[dadvoc]

20km isn't that big of a deal for a young man
back in my college days I used to cycle 30 km daily (from Samanabad to Cavalary ground), and i have never bragged about it ;p

[speed]

I don't think zia is bragging but his coach said he cycles 20km a day.

[dadvoc]

Originally Posted by pakistanigoneaussie that was , malik is known for being well connected, especially with out information minister

the other guy is right, it was Shoaib Malik.
Youtube one of his interview on Geo Super where he tells his story and then burst into tears... it was really heart wrenching. But now he is levelling everything to his advantage and has apparently forgotten his past...

[dadvoc]

Originally Posted by speed I don't think zia is bragging but his coach said he cycles 20km a day.

it was a tongue in cheek comment bro.

[Golden arm]

Originally Posted by dadvoc the other guy is right, it was Shoaib Malik. Youtube one of his interview on Geo Super where he tells his story and then burst into tears... it was really heart wrenching. But now he is levelling everything to his advantage and has apparently forgotten his past...

he was a small kid and his poor father used to drive him on his cycle to club, and now he is known as the most arrogant person in pakistan team.

[Saj]

Zia has moved to National Bank from PIA.

A move that will most likely see him given more opportunities at first class level.

[anakin]

Originally Posted by dadvoc 20km isn't that big of a deal for a young man back in my college days I used to cycle 30 km daily (from Samanabad to Cavalary ground), and i have never bragged about it ;p

Hehe.... I have just started Cycling to my work (7 kms one way trip) to reduce my waistline

[jellybeans]

I cycle 40 miles (64 km) daily to work. big deal...

[PetroDollars]

No big deal, these days i cycle 30km everyday.

[khanz141]

Originally Posted by jellybeans I cycle 40 miles (64 km) daily to work. big deal...

Your whole life must be spent cycling all the time then...

[kingusama92]

Originally Posted by jellybeans I cycle 40 miles (64 km) daily to work. big deal...

That's like a 3 hour bike ride (if you don't stop)!

6 hours a day of biking? What are you Lance Armstrong?

[jellybeans]

Originally Posted by khanz141 Your whole life must be spent cycling all the time then...

Originally Posted by kingusama92 That's like a 3 hour bike ride (if you don't stop)! 6 hours a day of biking? What are you Lance Armstrong?

uh no.. i average around 20 mph so 2-2.5 hours max.

[kingusama92]

Fine, if we go with your "2-2.5" hours, that's around 4-5 hours worth of biking each day.

I ask again, what are you Lance Armstrong?

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by kingusama92 Fine, if we go with your "2-2.5" hours, that's around 4-5 hours worth of biking each day. I ask again, what are you Lance Armstrong?

You mean cheater?

[jellybeans]

Originally Posted by kingusama92 Fine, if we go with your "2-2.5" hours, that's around 4-5 hours worth of biking each day. I ask again, what are you Lance Armstrong?

perhaps i misspoke. i meant 20 miles to and 20 miles from work. total of 40 miles.

and no I am not as good as those tour de france guys. they can avg. 30-35 mph and don't even mention what they can do in higher altitudes...

[kingusama92]

Originally Posted by jellybeans perhaps i misspoke. i meant 20 miles to and 20 miles from work. total of 40 miles. and no I am not as good as those tour de france guys. they can avg. 30-35 mph and don't even mention what they can do in higher altitudes...

Yeah, that makes more sense.

Cause if you were churning out 80 miles a day, you would be training like those professional cyclists.