Jimmy Anderson is my idol: Multan Sultans’ new pace sensation Ismail Wattoo speaks out

Jimmy Anderson is my idol: Multan Sultans’ new pace sensation Ismail Wattoo speaks out

By Nawaz Gohar ;  Emerging fast bowler Ismail Wattoo has made his ambitions clear ahead of his debut season with the Multan Sultans, viewing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as the ultimate stepping stone to the national team.

Speaking to the media today, the young pacer from Sahiwal expressed his eagerness to learn from the veterans of the game. “Whenever I watch seniors play, my focus is to observe and absorb their skills,” Wattoo stated.

In a surprising revelation regarding his inspirations, Wattoo bypassed local legends, naming English great James Anderson as his cricketing idol. Having already delivered consistent performances in domestic cricket, Wattoo is confident that he can replicate that success on the grand stage of the PSL.

“The team management fought hard to bring me into the squad. My goal is to repay their faith and use this platform to earn my place in the national ‘Green Shirts‘ XI,” said Wattoo.

Ismail Wattoo’s journey is a quintessential Pakistani cricket fairytale. Hailing from Chak No. 616 GB Ghallay, a small village in the Tandlianwala Tehsil of Faisalabad, his obsession with pace began in the narrow, unpaved streets and uneven farm fields (Raray) of his hometown.

Determined to refine his raw pace, Wattoo moved to Sahiwal to join the academy of former first-class cricketer Raja Arshad Hayat. This move proved pivotal, providing him the technical foundation needed to progress through the ranks of domestic cricket.

Wattoo is no stranger to high-pressure environments. His resume includes:
International Experience: Represented Pakistan Under-19 on tours to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Junior Super League: Served as Vice-Captain for the Gwadar Sharks, leading them to the final with a standout four-wicket haul in the semi-final.

Regional Experience: Key member of the Multan Region and a participant in the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

With PSL 11 on the horizon, the Sahiwal-based pacer has a singular focus: perform, dominate, and wear the national colors. For Ismail Wattoo, the “Hero in the Making,” the dream that started in the dusty streets of Tandlianwala is now only a few wickets away from becoming a reality.