Pakistan’s search for the next generation of fast bowlers has produced another exciting prospect, with young pacer Qayyum Khan making an impression at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Qayyum, who hails from Jhang, has no first-class cricket experience yet and has only played departmental Grade 2 Silver-level cricket for Punjab. However, his raw pace has already attracted attention during the NCA’s Fast Bowlers Development Camp.

Qayyum has regularly bowled between 145 and 150 kmph and recently recorded a career-best speed of 152 kmph at the NCA.

Speaking to a private media outlet, Qayyum revealed that his journey began with tape-ball cricket before he gradually moved into competitive cricket.

“In the beginning, everyone used to play tape ball, so I also started playing tape ball. Gradually, I travelled to different cities and played tape ball across Pakistan. Then I gave trials for Lahore Qalandars, where I bowled at 147 kmph,” Qayyum said.

The youngster said former Pakistan fast bowler and current high-performance coach Aqib Javed then invited him to the NCA, where the coaching staff assessed his pace.

“Then Aqib Bhai called me to the NCA and checked my speed. I bowled at 152 kmph, which was my fastest. Now, I am part of the Fast Bowlers Development Camp and, InshaAllah, we will continue to work hard in the coming days,” he said.

Qayyum credited some of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers for inspiring him to pursue the craft. He named Shoaib Akhtar, Wahab Riaz and Wasim Akram among his biggest influences.

“I would like to mention Shoaib Akhtar, Wahab Riaz and Wasim Akram. I watched them play and was inspired by them,” he said.

The young pacer also highlighted the work being done at the development camp, where the coaching staff focuses on fitness, bowling, gym sessions and ground training.

“Our coaching staff… Rehan, Waqas and Ashley Noffke are also working with us on fitness, bowling and gym training. We do fitness, gym, ground training and bowling every day. If we maintain a good diet, our speed increases,” he said.