The interest in Swedish players in foreign cricket leagues is growing. The latest addition to the list is Azam Khalil and Saad Nawaz from Alby Zalmi. ”I learned to play the ball, and that is what determines the game at a higher level”, Saad Nawaz says.
Gunjan Shukla, Saad Nawaz, and Azam Khalil. These three names have one common factor, it is their experience in the international cricket league. Gunjan Shukla has already participated in Fairbreak International twice since last year. This year, it was Azam Khalil and Saad Nawaz’s turn to spread their wings abroad, participating in a T10 tournament in Prague.
”It was a fun experience, the level was very high and, players were easily bowling over 130 clicks”, Saad Nawaz says. “I learned a lot and realized how much better I can become”.
Handpick selection
It was the captain of the Prague team who handpicked Khalil and Nawaz. However, the performances in the ECS T10 tournament were not the sole determining factor. ”He chose team players and focused on team cohesion. We got along very well, even though we were a new team,” Saad Nawaz says.
”Everyone had their roles, and for me, even if I gave away my wicket while playing aggressively, it was fine because the captain appreciated that we were unselfish.”
“Learned a lot”
Saad Nawaz has been playing cricket for over ten years and says that the Prague tournament was rewarding in many ways, especially how it helped him develop his game.
”Sometimes it is good to play against guys you do not know because then you focus on the ball. In Stockholm, I know everyone, their weaknesses, and their variations, but in Prague, I learned to play the ball. And that is what determines the game at a higher level,” he explains.
”And for me, it’s always fun to play in front of the camera, to be calm and do what I am good at.”
Although he has not played many matches in T10, he feels that he has cracked the code.
”It is a very straightforward format; you have to play in the same gear throughout.”
Photograph: Personal
