Fawad Alam, a talented left-handed allrounder from Pakistan, has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world with his exceptional skills and perseverance. Born into a cricketing family, Fawad’s father, Tariq Alam, was a renowned first-class cricketer in Pakistan.
Fawad made his first-class debut at a tender age of 17, representing Pakistan at the U-19 World Cup after impressing the selectors with his performances for Pakistan Customs and Karachi in the domestic circuit. In the semi-final against India, Fawad’s unbeaten 43 guided Pakistan to the final, showcasing his immense talent as a cricketer.
His potential was recognized when he was selected for the U-19 squad to play against the touring Sri Lankan and South African Academy teams. The same year, he earned an invitation to join the National Cricket Academy (NCA), an esteemed pool of talented individuals groomed for the elite level.
The 2006-07 season proved to be Fawad’s breakthrough as he outshone his peers effortlessly. Leading Karachi Dolphins to the final of the Twenty20 Cup, he not only contributed with a five-wicket haul and a valiant 54 runs but also clinched the Man of the Final, Man of the Series, Best Batsman, and Best Bowler awards.
In the longer version of the game, Fawad showcased his proficiency in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, finishing as the fifth-highest run-scorer. In the shorter version, he proved to be a vital asset for the National Bank team, contributing to their victory in the Patron’s Cup. Fawad nearly guided Karachi Dolphins to the ABN AMRO Cup final, emerging as the second-highest run-scorer and highest wicket-taker of the competition.
His remarkable performances earned him a spot as the captain of the Pakistan Academy’s tour of Bangladesh. Although he had a lackluster debut at the international stage, Fawad managed to maintain the selectors’ trust, receiving further opportunities in Pakistan’s limited-overs squads.
During Pakistan Academy’s tour of Africa, Fawad emerged as the leading run-scorer, amassing an impressive 302 not out in a four-day game against Kenya in September-October 2008.
Despite his early success, Fawad faced a tumultuous period in his career. After a promising debut Test against Sri Lanka, he struggled to find consistency, leading to his eventual exclusion from the national team. However, Fawad continued to thrive in domestic cricket, becoming one of the most prolific first-class batsmen in Pakistan cricket history. Holding the record for the highest batting average for any Pakistan first-class batter, Fawad’s achievements have been unrivaled since 2013.
Unfortunately, Fawad spent the next 11 years on the sidelines as coaches and selectors provided various reasons to sideline him from the international stage. Despite his exceptional record, other less accomplished batters were given opportunities while the door remained closed on Fawad. His unique crab-like batting stance, reminiscent of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, contributed to his unorthodox style, which yielded remarkable results.
Finally, in 2019, Fawad was granted a chance to represent Pakistan once again during a home series against Sri Lanka. However, he continued to remain on the bench for the majority of that year. It wasn’t until his inclusion in the Pakistan squad for their tour of England that Fawad received his long-awaited opportunity. On his return, he faced a setback with a four-ball duck but showcased his resilience and skill with a heroic fourth-innings hundred in Mount Maunganui, bringing Pakistan within minutes of securing an impossible draw.
With a career resurgence at the age of 35, Fawad proved his worth with a century in a home win against South Africa. He continued to excel with a couple more centuries in Zimbabwe and West Indies in 2021. Despite his achievements, Fawad might reflect on whether he received a fair chance earlier in his career.
Fawad Alam’s journey is a testament to his unwavering determination, exceptional talent, and unyielding passion for the game. As he continues to carve his path in international cricket, Fawad’s story serves as an inspiration to cricketers worldwide, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and never giving up on one’s dreams.
