Daily Times

Pakistan is a country with diverse talents in various walks of life. But when it comes to cricket – given the passion and determination for the game – it is a different ball game altogether. Not only do people love to watch the game, they also love to play it which accounts for the rising talents in the country.

In fact, the talent pool is so rich that many of the players don’t even get a chance to be part of the national side although they are good enough. And so, many are forced to leave the country and try their luck abroad.

England is known as the second home for the Pakistani players who apply to the UK when rejected in the country. Owais Shah, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid are examples of three such individuals with Pakistani backgrounds – and who are also known for their brilliance in the national side of England.

They have been performing well recently for the English side. The causes of leaving the country and moving to England is not only due to missing the opportunity but due to migrations to England as children. There are also others like Sikandar Raza, who went to a different country for the purpose of business, but turned into professional cricketers.

There have also been others who have travelled to South Africa, Australia, Zimbabwe, England to try their luck, but not many were successful in successfully using their second option too. Others, like Fawad Ahmed and Usman Khawaja, have made a mark on their teams and hold a significant place.

Danish Kaneria is one of the recent examples – who reportedly is in India and is about to register himself with the Board of Control Cricket of India (BCCI). While on the other hand, the rest of the sources consider it as a fake news and clarify that his departure from Pakistan was to move to the Holy places in India. Yet, there is no confirmation about the news.

Imran Tahir’s story is like a fairy tale. His loss is probably the greatest that Pakistan had to face. In his first appearance in 2011 world cup held in India, he represented the South African team and got great appraisal for his outstanding performances throughout the tournament. He played his under-19 cricket in Pakistan.

Moreover, he played in the domestic circuit but lack of opportunities led him to South Africa where he tried his luck with the South African squad and eventually succeeded. Now, he holds the record of being the only South African bowler to take 7 wickets in an ODI (One Day International) game against Australia in a tri-series match held in West Indies earlier this year. More so, he is a very handy bowler due to his variations, leggies and googlies.

No matter how many players Pakistan has exported to the other nations and let them be the part of another side but yet in every game of the country, I believe, they always have the desire in their hearts to play for and succeed with the Pakistani team.

The feeling, one has for the nation, is adorable and they do find themselves a bit guilty on being exported but they prove their citizenship with lots of support and love for the national team and the nation itself.