Pakistani pacer Akif Javed. Photo: Collected

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 23, 2025 (BSS) - Pakistan young pacer Akif Javed who is trying to make his case stronger for the national team selection believes playing in favourable wicket in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) would enhance his skill further.

Akif, who is playing for Rangpur Riders in this BPL, said if he can be disciplined and put the ball in the right areas, success will come regardless of the behaviour of the wicket.

“I tried to be disciplined as much as I can when I bowl. I knew that the batters would get enough support from here (BPL) but I tried to put the ball in right areas to make their task tougher one,” he told the BSS in an exclusive conversation recently.

“No matters how the wicket is. When you would bowl in right areas, the batters will get it tough to dispatch with ease. So that’s what I am trying to do always.”

Akif Javed so far claimed 15 wickets in seven matches, that put him second place in the bowling chart behind Taskin Ahmed. More than his wicket-tally, it was his accurate bowling that created a pressure on the opponents and gave other bowlers of his side an advantage to exploit the pressure.

 He gave away runs at just 6.5 per over in a wicket where the teams most of the time put up total around 200.

“I have been performing well Alhamdulillah. As I said earlier, I tried to be disciplined in every way. When you will be disciplined, you will get the success. That’s the mantra of my life.”

The lanky left arm fast bowler was born in 2000 and was selected in the Balochistan squad for the 2019-20 Quaid-e-Azam trophy in 2019. He made his T20 debut for Balochistan in the same year with National T20 Cup. 

At that year, he also made his first class debut. After showing impressive performance in all format of cricket, he was named in Pakistan squad for the 2019 ACC Emerging Asia Cup in Bangladesh.

He made his List A debut for Pakistan in the Emerging Teams Cup against Afghanistan in November 2019. In October 2021, he was named in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. So far he played 23 first class matches, 30 List A and 63 T20s and his consistency was the thing that drew attention of many.

A few days ago, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt backed him, saying that Akif is now ready product to be in the national team.

According to former batter, he is accurate and fast and had good line and length, which enabled him to take wickets regularly. Since other bowlers are not fit enough, Salman said that it is the high time to take the service of Akif.

“He is so gracious. I am grateful that he talked very positive about me. The thing is that the national team selection is not at my hands. I can try to play well and if I can play well consistently, I hope the call up will come,” Akif said, showing gratitude to Salman.

He said the BPL is a good platform for him to hone his bowling skill further, considering the pitch is heavily sided the batters.

“The Sylhet phase was very tough. The wicket was prepared for the batters. But when you would bowl well, you will get wicket,” Akif said.

“But it is actually good wicket where if you can show you skill, you will be successful with bowling also. It’s challenging for the bowlers but as I said earlier, if you can put the ball in right areas, the success will come. I think bowling in this type of wicket will help me hone my skill further,” he remarked.

Furthermore Akif said, he is feeling to be at home outside from the home in Bangladesh as the crowd supported and backed him in every game.

“BPL’s crowd presence is excellent. They are very passionate about cricket. They support all players. What I saw that they got behind the team, which played really well. I got huge love from them. It seems to me that I am playing in Pakistan.”