There is a lot of talent in Pakistan when it comes to cricket, the country has not only one or two but countless stars in this sport that are not new to the world, such as a new emerging star Mohammad Umar, who is ready to shine.
Hailing from Karachi, Umar proved his capabilities in domestic cricket and made a place in Pakistan Super League. MM News got a chance to arrange a meeting with him, and know about his upcoming strategies regarding cricket:
MM News: Did you ever dream of playing for PSL?
Mohammad Umar: PSL promotes cricket in Pakistan and playing for it is every cricketer’s dream and I was working hard for five years to make a place in the league. For now, all I want is to perform well in PSL and eventually make a place in the national cricket team to serve my country.
MM News: Did you ever think of being selected for the Multan Sultan?
Mohammad Umar: I never thought about it, I assumed it a prank. I bowled well in the match against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at National Bank Ground. When I returned to the hotel the team was staying in, my mates told me that Multan Sultan had selected me in the drafting. Initially, I assumed they were joking but when I saw my name on TV, I was shocked. It was a big surprise for me and it seemed that half of my dream has come true.
MM News: What are your achievements and future goal in cricket?
Mohammad Umar: Cricket is the most popular sport in Pakistan that is why I decided to play cricket. I used to play on the roof of the house with my elder brother. After that, I gave trials for U-14 and played U-16, 17, 18, and U-19 and eventually won the championship in the Pakistan U-18 team as well. So far, I have performed very well in the domestic and will try to make a place in the national team by presenting a better game in the future.
MM News: What is your view on T20 in all three formats?
Mohammad Umar: T20 is a different format than Test and ODI. In T20, the cricketer has to use his heart, mind, and body together in a short time immediately, and here only the one who controls all of these succeeds.
MM News: What role do the fast bowlers play in T20?
Mohammad Umar: Fast bowlers are very important in T20 cricket because when the front team is playing fast, fast bowlers control the opponent with yorkers, slow balls, and other tricks. I myself have been playing tape ball since my childhood so I have no problem getting a yorker and slow ball.
MM News: How did you become among top five bowlers of Pakistan Cup?
Mohammad Umar: We lost the first match in Pakistan ODI Cup but we worked hard and played well in the tournament. I tried to be the top bowler of the event and for that, I worked hard but even after becoming the top five, I am very happy and thankful to God that I got this success.
MM News: Which player has made you most happy to dismiss?
Mohammad Umar: It was an incredible moment for me when I dismissed former national team captain Salman Butt in the first over of his debut match in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and it was my dream debut.
MM News: Who was your favorite bowler?
Mohammad Umar: Watching the bowling of Waqar Younis and Mohammad Asif, I became interested in fast bowling and I also wanted to be a fast bowler. Today, I want to perform this way that will be remarkable for people that there is a bowler named Muhammad Umar.
MM News: What comes to your mind when you play against a well-known player?
Mohammad Umar: If there is a senior player in front while bowling, batting, or fielding, I try to put my 100 percent effort, and in the future, I continue to do the same.
MM News: How did you reach this level in national cricket without resources?
Mohammad Umar: Hailing from s small area Metroville of Karachi, I worked hard to become what I am today. Initially hanging on buses and often getting off the bus due to lack of fare, however, I never gave up.
I spent a couple of years wearing one pair of shoes only and today when I remember those days my eyes get teary. Apart from my hard work, patience, and dedication, my senior colleagues have also played a big role in bringing me to the national level for which I am grateful to them.
