Amir Hassan Ready to Shine at U19 World Cup 2024

Muhammad Tahir Durrani

Bajaur: Left-arm fast bowler Amir Hassan is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to excel in the challenging conditions of South Africa during the upcoming ICC Men’s U19 World Cup in 2024.

18 years old, Amir has already made a mark by representing both the Pakistan U16 and U19 teams, a journey that commenced when he first stepped onto the cricket field as a U13 player in Rawalpindi.

Hailing from Landi Kotal, the same hometown as his cricketing idol Shaheen Shah Afridi, Amir began his cricket career after relocating to Rawalpindi several years ago. He has demonstrated his talent and dedication through his participation in two editions of the PCB U13 Inter-Regional T20 tournament in 2017 and 2018.

Hassan’s journey exemplifies his evolution from a promising young player in the U13 category to gearing up for the international stage at the U19 World Cup. Drawing inspiration from the renowned Shaheen Shah Afridi, Amir is determined to make a significant impact with his left-arm fast bowling skills in the upcoming tournament, aspiring to contribute to Pakistan’s success on the global stage.

Amir showcased his prowess while representing Rawalpindi Region U16s in the 2018-19 season of the U16 One Day Tournament. Making a mark as the fourth leading wicket-taker, he picked up an impressive 13 scalps in seven games at an average of seven, with his best bowling figures standing at an impressive 5-23.

This stellar performance earned him recognition and a call-up to the Pakistan U16 team for the 2019 Bangladesh tour, where he featured in a three-day game.

Amir’s success at the U16 level reflects his dedication and skill, and his inclusion in the Pakistan U16 team further solidifies his potential as a formidable left-arm fast bowler. As he prepares for the U19 World Cup, Amir Hassan is poised to make waves and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s cricketing legacy on the international stage.

He represented Rawalpindi in the National U19 Cup and National U19 Championship in the 2021–22 and 2022–23 editions, paving the way for his selection in Pakistan U19 for the away series against Bangladesh U19 in 2023.

Amir hit the ground running in his first one-day game for Pakistan U19 at Chattogram, where he returned with figures of 5-24 in his quota of 10 overs.

Amir was part of the Pakistan Shaheens side that toured Australia in July–August 2023. He later featured in the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2023, where he ended up being the third leading wicket-taker for Pakistan U19 besides Mohammad Zeeshan and Ubaid Shah, with six wickets in four matches.

In a chat with PCB Digital, Amir said: “I’ve always received support from my family, and in my childhood, they encouraged me to pursue the game properly, which is why I shifted to Rawalpindi. I’ve followed Pakistan’s best left-arm fast bowlers, and they have inspired me to pick up cricket as a professional as well. I like to bowl in-swing like some of the famous bowlers of this trade.”

Amir is confident that he’ll help Pakistan U19 at the World Cup to get regular breakthroughs as the conditions in South Africa favor pacers.

“We have been preparing for the World Cup in the camp, and the coaches have helped us a lot to get ready for the tournament. Our focus is to put up quality performances in the group matches first and then look forward to lifting the trophy.”

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