Pakistan is home to a lot of talent. Many children of this nation have gone on to do great things and have made their mark around the globe. When it comes to cricket, the country has not only one or two but countless stars in this sport, such as a new emerging star Saad Baig, who is ready to shine.
Hailing from Karachi, Saad Baig proved his capabilities in domestic cricket and is now the captain of Sindh Under-16. MM News got a chance to arrange a meeting with him, and know about his upcoming strategies regarding cricket.
MM News: When did you start playing cricket?
Saad Baig: Like most young Pakistanis, I also played a lot of cricket. In the back yard, the front driveway, the street, and on nasty cement pitches. After that I got selected in Karachi U-13 and was also appointed as the captain. Later, I was selected in the Sindh U-16.
MM News: From who are you inspired?
Saad Baig: At the early stages of my cricketing journey, I wasn’t inspired from any particular player, but now I’m impressed from Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. I like his batting very much and I try to learn by watching his videos. ۔
MM News: Wicket-keeping or batting – which role you love the most?
Saad Baig: I enjoy batting more than wicket-keeping and the fun doubles when I play long and steady innings. However, nowadays wicket-keeping has also become a fun role when we sledge the opposite team’s batsman for distraction.
MM News: Is Wicket-keeping a difficult job?
Saad Baig: Wicket-keeping is difficult both physicllay and mentally. A successful keeper should have the stamina to keep for 50 overs in ODI Cricket or 90 overs in a day of a test match. The wicket keepers should also have quick reflexes to affect a close run out or to affect a close stumping.
MM News: Can a wicket-keeper be a good captain?
Saad Baig: Cricket is such an intense game where captaincy plays a huge role. However, being wicket-keeper captain is the toughest job of all. He is a silent man who is a leader behind the stumps who takes all the responsibility. But history has proved that a wicket-keeper can be a good captain, just like MS Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara.
MM News: Your favorite team in Pakistan Super League (PSL)?
Saad Baig: My favorite team is Karachi Kings and I wish Karachi Kings to be successful. Like last year, Karachi will be the winner of Pakistan Super League this time too.
MM News: Your achievements and future goal in cricket?
Saad Baig: I was named as the best wicket-keeper in the first year of U-13 and the best batsman in the first year of U-16. 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: Your favorite team on international level?
Saad Baig: My favorite team is Australia. I have never seen this team fall short of its standard. They have had no weaknesses at almost any time in history.
MM News: How can a young person take care of fitness?
Saad Baig: Fitness is very important in any sport. Along with hard work and practice, you must practice at least 4 hours a day to maintain your fitness. So keep on fighting until you achieve what you desire.
