Aizaz Bin Ilyas Cheema, widely known as Aizaz Cheema, is a prominent cricketer from Pakistan. Born on September 5, 1979, in Sargodha, Punjab, Cheema has established himself as a formidable right-arm fast-medium bowler in both domestic and international cricket.
Although he had to wait until the age of 31 to receive a call-up for the Pakistan national team, Aizaz Cheema made an immediate impact when his opportunity finally arrived. Thanks to an exceptional performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy during the 2010-2011 season, where he claimed an impressive tally of 57 wickets in just eight matches, Cheema caught the attention of the selectors.
In 2011, he was rewarded for his consistent performances in domestic cricket with a place in the touring squad for Pakistan’s series against Zimbabwe. Making his Test debut on September 1, 2011, against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Cheema showcased his talent right from the start. He scalped remarkable figures of 8 for 103 in the match, becoming the second-best Pakistan debutant in terms of bowling figures. To everyone’s amazement, he achieved this feat on his 32nd birthday, making it a memorable day for him and Pakistani cricket.
Aizaz Cheema’s immense control over line and length, combined with his ability to generate substantial pace and movement off the pitch, has made him a valuable asset. His exceptional swing bowling and capability of consistently hitting a good line and length have troubled many top batsmen around the world. Cheema possesses a commendable knack for extracting life from flat wickets, often bamboozling batsmen with his deceptive variations.
Furthermore, Cheema’s passion for the game is evident in his commitment to constant improvement. His strong work ethic and unwavering dedication towards training and fitness have helped him maintain a high level of performance over the years. Cheema’s determination to succeed and contribute to his team’s success is unwavering.
Aside from his remarkable international career, Aizaz Cheema is a prominent figure in domestic cricket as well. Representing Sargodha and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the domestic circuit, he has consistently performed at the highest level. His experience, combined with his exceptional skills, has made him an influential figure in mentoring younger players and contributing to the growth of cricket in Pakistan.
Throughout his career, Aizaz Cheema has faced numerous challenges, but his resilience and determination have allowed him to overcome them. Despite his late start in international cricket, Cheema has proved that age is just a number and that talent and hard work can lead to success at any stage in one’s cricketing journey.
As he continues to inspire aspiring cricketers in Pakistan and around the world, Aizaz Cheema remains a true stalwart of the game. His remarkable achievements in international and domestic cricket, coupled with his passion, will be celebrated for years to come, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of cricketers to follow.
