Mohammad Ilyas made an instant mark in Pakistan’s domestic cricket, taking 10 wickets on his first-class debut against Islamabad for Peshawar last year. The 20-year-old returned figures of five for 69 and five for 61 for Peshawar versus Islamabad in October last year and then backed it up with figures of four for 69 and five for 44 against Sui Southern Gas Corporation (SSGC) to finish with an impressive 33 wickets in just five games of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2018-19 edition. He was picked up by Multan Sultans in the PSL 4 and is trying his best to live up to his potential. “It’s fantastic to be selected in the PSL,” Ilyas said. “I was playing a first-class match during which I got a call from the coach informing that I will be part of the PSL with Multan squad. I then thought my hard work had started to pay-off.” Ilyas made a mark with his speed and the ability to swing the ball. He has so far managed four wickets in four matches with a best of two for 21 against a formidable Islamabad United batting line-up. “It’s been great and everyone in Multan is supporting me and the encouragement is a tonic and I am hopeful that my good performance will help me get a place in the Pakistan team,” vowed Ilyas. Ilyas said his parents never stopped him from playing cricket. “My family is religious, but they never stopped me from playing cricket. My father and grandfather are all religious scholars,” said Ilyas. “I am thankful to my elder brothers Saeed-ur-Rehman, Shabbir and Zia as they not only supported me financially but also used to help me get me permission from the parents. My father never stops me, but all the time advises me of hard work.” Ilyas played his initial cricket in Peshawar and based his bowling on former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif and England’s James Anderson. “I started playing in club cricket in Peshawar. I had seniors like Rizwan, Iftikhar and had coach in Fazl-e- Akbar, and they guided me well. I was helped by Abdul Rehman and they all guided me so well that I became a good player.” PSL is Ilyas’s second step and he hopes to shine here and go to higher levels. Published in Daily Times, March 3rd 2019.