Qayum Khan, a young fast bowler from Jhang, has recently attracted significant attention from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after consistently clocking speeds exceeding 150 kilometres per hour. He is emerging as one of the promising pace talents being nurtured for future inclusion in the national cricket team.
Currently, Qayum has been summoned to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, where he is undergoing specialised training. This initiative is part of the PCB’s broader strategy to cultivate a new generation of express fast bowlers capable of maintaining Pakistan’s historic strength in pace bowling.
Fast bowling has traditionally been a cornerstone of Pakistan cricket’s success, and the PCB’s High Performance Centre is intensifying its efforts to identify and develop young pacers who can uphold this legacy. Qayum’s recent performances, including representing the Sports Board Punjab in a Grade-II tournament, have showcased his impressive pace and skill, bringing him into the spotlight. His initial recognition came through the Prime Minister’s Talent Hunt Programme.
PCB Director of High Performance, Aaqib Javed, praised Qayum as a rare talent, emphasizing his ability to bowl at speeds over 150 km/h. He noted that Qayum is currently engaged in intensive training this season, with plans to provide him with greater opportunities in the upcoming season.
Qayum is among several young fast bowlers on the PCB’s radar. Others such as Ali Raza, Razaullah, Abdul Subhan, and Abu Zarr are also capable of bowling at speeds above 145 km/h and are being groomed as potential future assets for Pakistan’s pace attack.
Aaqib Javed highlighted that Pakistan’s cricket team cannot be complete without quality fast bowlers. The PCB aims to develop three to four express pacers by next year to enhance the national team’s bowling speed and effectiveness.
The specialised fast-bowling camp at the NCA in Lahore, supervised by Pakistan’s national team fast-bowling coach Ashley Noffke, is ongoing and will continue until August 28. This camp is a crucial part of the PCB’s efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s fast-bowling resources.
