From Chishtian to Lahore: Mohammad Azab’s Journey of Dreams and Destiny

From Chishtian to Lahore: Mohammad Azab’s Journey of Dreams and Destiny

Lahore, 17 January 2025: Nawaz Gohar

From the humble streets of Chishtian in the Bahawalnagar District to the grand stage of Lahore Qalandars, Mohammad Azab’s story is one of relentless passion and unyielding determination.

The left-arm pacer discovered his love for fast bowling as a young boy, but cricket was often overshadowed by his family’s insistence on prioritizing education.

Azab, however, refused to let his dream wane. Whether it was in schoolyards or the narrow streets of his hometown, he found every opportunity to play. His journey took a significant turn in 2018 when he started bowling with a hard ball during his college years. The raw talent he possessed quickly blossomed, earning him a sports-based seat at a university—a gateway to professional cricket.

But as the stars seemed to align, fate presented its challenges. Azab passed the trials for HEC but fell short of making it to the regional first-class cricket level. Dejected but not defeated, Azab set his sights on an even bigger stage—the Lahore Qalandars.

Hearing about the Qalandars’ open trials, Azab embarked on a bold journey to Lahore, putting his destiny in his own hands. The trials were rigorous, and the wait was long. But when his moment came, Azab bowled with such fiery precision that it left legends like Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman,

and Shaheen Shah Afridi in awe. It took just two deliveries for him to catch the eyes of these stars, etching his name in their minds as a potential future great.

Recognizing his immense potential, the Lahore Qalandars embraced Azab into their Player Development Program (PDP)—a groundbreaking initiative that has transformed the lives of countless aspiring cricketers across Pakistan. Under the watchful eyes of expert coaches and mentors, Azab refined his skills and evolved into a formidable force on the field.

The PDP, known for unearthing gems like Haris Rauf and others, provided Azab not only with professional training but also with a platform to showcase his talent on a national scale.

Azab’s standout performances during the PDP camp secured him a coveted spot in the Lahore Qalandars squad for 2025. Now representing HEC in the ongoing first-class domestic tournament, the left-arm pacer is already making waves.

For Azab, the opportunity to share a dressing room with cricketing idols like Shaheen, Haris, and Fakhar is more than a dream—it is a testament to his perseverance and the transformative power of the Lahore Qalandars’ vision.

“Shaheen is my role model,” Azab maintains,. “I hope to follow in his footsteps while learning from Haris and all the senior players. This is not just a dream come true but a responsibility I am determined to honor.”

The Lahore Qalandars, with their unparalleled commitment to nurturing raw talent through the PDP, continue to redefine the cricketing landscape in Pakistan. Mohammad Azab’s story is yet another shining example of how this franchise is not just a team—it’s a beacon of hope and a symbol of opportunity for aspiring cricketers across the nation.