Rising Stars in Pakistan Domestic Cricket

Introduction

Domestic cricket in Pakistan is the foundation where raw talent turns into future international stars. Over the years, it has produced legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and more recently, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. In 2025, the system is again showing its strength by producing new, exciting talent across all formats—players who are making headlines in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan Cup, National T20 Cup, and other regional tournaments.

This article will explore the rising stars who are dominating Pakistan’s domestic cricket today and could soon become regular faces in the national team.

1. Hunain Shah – The Fast-Bowling Promise

Hunain Shah, the younger brother of Naseem Shah, has quickly made a name for himself in domestic cricket. At just 20 years old, he has been clocking speeds close to 140 kph and showing excellent control for his age.

Key Performances:

• Took a five-wicket haul for Central Punjab in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024–25 season.
• Was the second-highest wicket-taker in the Pakistan Cup 2025.
• Bowled crucial death overs in the National T20 Cup.

What Makes Him Special:

Hunain combines raw pace with a calm temperament, much like his brother. His ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain consistent line and length makes him one of the most exciting pace prospects in Pakistan right now.

2. Omair Bin Yousuf – The Next Solid Batter

Omair Bin Yousuf has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for several seasons, and now he’s finally getting the attention he deserves. Playing for Sindh, Omair has been scoring runs across all formats.

Key Performances:

• Averaged above 50 in the 2024–25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
• Scored back-to-back centuries in the Pakistan Cup.
• Played vital knocks for Karachi Whites in T20s.

Why He Stands Out:

Omair has a classical batting style—strong in defense, good against spin, and capable of playing long innings. At a time when aggressive batting is the trend, his stability and technique are highly valued, especially in Test cricket.

3. Saim Ayub – Aggression with Class

Saim Ayub is already a well-known name thanks to his explosive performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Peshawar Zalmi. However, he has also impressed in red-ball and List A formats in domestic cricket.

Key Stats:

• Scored 800+ runs in the 2024–25 season across all formats.
• Known for scoring at a strike rate of over 140 in T20s.
• Improved consistency in four-day cricket, including a maiden double century.

Strengths:

Left-handed, stylish, and fearless—Saim is made for modern cricket. He plays all around the ground and can shift gears depending on the match situation. His recent improvement in long-format games shows maturity and dedication.

4. Qasim Akram – A True All-Rounder

Qasim Akram, the former U-19 captain of Pakistan, is finally fulfilling his potential. He is now among the top-performing all-rounders in domestic cricket.

Highlights:

• Took 20+ wickets and scored over 500 runs in the last season.
• Played several match-winning cameos for Central Punjab in T20s.
• Impressive fielding record—one of the best in Pakistan currently.

What Makes Him Valuable:

Qasim brings balance to any team. He can bat in the top or middle order, bowl off-spin, and save runs in the field. His leadership background also adds value.

5. Mohammad Haris – The Power-Hitter

Although Haris has played international cricket, his performances in domestic tournaments in 2024–25 have shown real growth.

Performance Review:

• Top scorer for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the National T20 Cup.
• Played multiple 50+ knocks at strike rates above 150.
• Improved shot selection and patience in the Pakistan Cup.

X-Factor:

Haris is a natural attacker, similar to players like Rishabh Pant. If given more time at the top level, he could become Pakistan’s answer to modern T20 batting needs.

6. Ammad Butt – The Comeback Player

Ammad Butt had a quiet few years, but 2025 has been different. He’s back in form and leading by example for Balochistan.

Domestic Stats:

• Took 25+ wickets in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
• Finished as one of the top five all-rounders in the Pakistan Cup.
• Bowled with pace and swung the new ball effectively.

Strengths:

Ammad offers medium pace and lower-order batting—ideal for white-ball formats. His experience and renewed focus have made him a reliable option for selectors again.

7. Mubasir Khan – The Smart Cricketer

Mubasir Khan has quietly become a consistent all-round performer. The Northern all-rounder contributes in all departments.

Achievements:

• Scored a match-winning hundred against Southern Punjab.
• Took key wickets with his off-spin in all formats.
• Great fielding and athleticism.

Why He’s a Star in the Making:

Mubasir reads the game well and makes smart decisions under pressure. His all-round skills make him very useful, especially in ODI formats.

8. Shan Masood Khan Jr. – The Unnoticed Batter

Not to be confused with Shan Masood the Test opener, Shan Jr. is making his own name. He has been outstanding for Southern Punjab.

Season Stats:

• Scored 950+ runs in the 2024–25 domestic season.
• Strong conversion rate from 50s to 100s.
• Versatile—has played as an opener and at No. 3.

Potential:

He’s mentally strong and plays with maturity. If he continues performing like this, a national call-up is likely soon.

9. Zeeshan Zameer – The New Speedster

Raw pace is Pakistan’s identity, and Zeeshan Zameer continues that tradition.

Key Points:

• Regularly bowls at 145+ kph.
• Took a 10-wicket match haul in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
• Improved line and accuracy this season.

Why Fans Are Excited:

Zeeshan is fast, aggressive, and fearless. With proper guidance, he can become a future spearhead for Pakistan’s bowling attack.

10. Mehran Mumtaz – The Young Spinner

While Pakistan is known for fast bowlers, spinners like Mehran Mumtaz are making waves.

Performances:

• Most wickets among spinners in the Pakistan Cup.
• Bowled crucial spells in T20 matches with excellent economy rates.
• Great control for someone his age.

Style:

Mehran is a left-arm spinner who can flight the ball and trouble even set batters. He is seen as a long-term option for Pakistan’s spin department.

Why These Players Matter

These rising stars are not just future options—they are the present backbone of Pakistan’s domestic cricket system. Here’s why they are important:

1. Strength in Depth

Pakistan has always had a few big stars, but recent years have shown the need for strong bench strength. These young players ensure there’s competition for every spot in the national side.

2. Domestic System is Working

For years, people complained that domestic cricket was not producing quality players. But with stronger structure, better pitches, and better pay, young talent is shining.

3. Formats Are Covered

There are players for all formats:

• Test: Omair Bin Yousuf, Mubasir Khan
• ODI: Qasim Akram, Mehran Mumtaz
• T20: Saim Ayub, Haris, Hunain Shah

This gives selectors more freedom to build separate squads for different formats.

Challenges They Face
Even though the talent is strong, the journey is still tough. These players face:

1. Inconsistent Opportunities
   Sometimes players perform well but don’t get consistent chances at the international level. One or two bad games can send them back to domestic cricket.
   This uncertainty can harm confidence and interrupt their development.
2. Pressure of Expectations
   In today’s social media world, hype builds fast. But this also creates pressure. Young players need mental support and proper coaching to handle the spotlight.
   Criticism after just one failure can damage their morale and self-belief.
3. Injuries
   Fast bowlers like Zeeshan and Hunain need careful management to avoid long-term injuries. Pakistan has lost many pacers to early injuries before.
   Without proper rehab and workload planning, careers can be shortened.

How PCB Can Support Them

To ensure these players grow into world-class cricketers, PCB needs to:

1. Have a Clear Pathway
   Players should know what they need to do to get into the national team. Performance in domestic tournaments should lead to A-team tours or national team camps.
   A well-defined selection structure brings fairness and motivation.
2. Invest in Fitness & Psychology
   Young players should get world-class trainers, diet plans, and sports psychologists to deal with physical and mental challenges.
   Early investment in these areas prevents long-term burnout and breakdown.
3. Expose Them to Foreign Conditions
   Sending them on A-team tours to Australia, South Africa, and England will help them learn to play in different conditions before they are thrown into senior tours.
   This prepares them technically and mentally for global cricket challenges.

The Fans’ Role

Fans play a big part in a player’s confidence. When young players know that fans support them, even after a failure, they perform with more freedom. Social media, online cricket forums, and local cricket clubs should promote and back these rising stars. A culture of patience and encouragement can help unlock their full potential.

Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright

Pakistan’s domestic cricket scene in 2025 is full of promise. Players like Hunain Shah, Saim Ayub, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Qasim Akram are leading the charge, proving that the future of Pakistan cricket is in safe hands.

With proper guidance, these young cricketers can be the next generation of legends. The key is patience, planning, and support from the system and fans. If nurtured well, they could lead Pakistan to new cricketing glory in the coming years.

Let the world take notice—Pakistan’s rising stars are ready to shine.