How Pakistanis are shaping cricket's development in USA

Cricket in the United States (US) has seen a steady rise in recent years, and a significant contributor to this growth is the involvement of Pakistani cricketers.

Many of these players, some of whom have even represented the US at various levels, are part of a larger movement to develop cricket in a country where the sport is still finding its feet.

Greener pastures

Over the last couple of years, there has been a noticeable migration of Pakistani cricketers to the US, with many of them aspiring to eventually represent the United States in international cricket.

Jannisar Khan in action for the USA national cricket team in 2018.Facebook/Jan-Nisar-Khan

Jannisar Khan, a former first-class cricketer from Pakistan who has also donned the US national team jersey, spoke about the influence of Pakistani players in advancing the sport within the United States.

“Cricket has long been a beloved sport across the globe but its rise in the United States is a relatively recent phenomenon. Over the past few years, the influx of former cricketers and a significant number of Pakistani Americans has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Among these passionate individuals, many have made Texas their home, creating a vibrant cricket community that continues to flourish,” Jannisar told Nukta in an interview from the US.

The 43-year-old highlighted several key players who have been instrumental in shaping the cricket landscape in America.

“Among the notable names reshaping cricket in the US are Nauman Anwar, Imran Khan Jr, Usman Shinwari, Ehsan Adil, Hammad Azam, Sami Aslam, Mukhtar Ahmad, Mohsin Khan, Fawad Alam, Ramiz Raja Junior, Danish Kaneria, Awais Zia, Najaf Shah, Mohammad Arshad, Umaid Asif, Shayan Jahangir, Aftab Khan, Ammad Alam, Hassan Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, Anwar Ali, and Ali Khan. These players have not only migrated but have also embraced their roles in the local cricketing landscape by featuring in both minor and major leagues,” said Jannisar, who also has represented Pakistan in the Under-19 World Cup as an all-rounder.

Impact of former cricketers

The Peshawar-born cricketer further added that the impact of ex-cricketers such as Asif Mujtaba, Jalal Uddin, Sajjad Khan and others cannot be underestimated.

Former Pakistan cricketer Jalal Uddin is serving as South West Zonal Selector for USA cricket.Facebook/jalal.coach

“Their experience and expertise have been invaluable, with many taking on coaching and mentorship roles within the community. This blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talent creates a robust environment that fosters growth and development for the aspiring cricketers,” Jannisar said.

“Living in states like Texas, particularly in cities like Houston and Dallas, these players have been instrumental in promoting cricket at various levels. Figures like Majid Razvi, Sakhi Mohammad, Tanvir Ahmad and Fawad Samar have also contributed to this movement, lending their support and expertise to nurture local talent,” he added,

The establishment of leagues and teams across the country reflects the growing interest in cricket, and many Pakistani Americans are at the forefront of this push.

Rise in international cricket

One of the most significant milestones in US cricket’s journey has been the achievement of One-day International (ODI) status by the national team. This accomplishment was a major step forward and showcased the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.

Jannisar pointed to the US team’s recent performances, including a historic victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, as evidence of how far the team has come. This win sparked a surge of excitement within the local cricketing community and ignited interest among young players who dream of representing the United States.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Jannisar expressed his pride in being part of the US cricket ecosystem.

“My journey as a selector, player, and coach for the US cricket team has been a dream come true. Watching our team win titles in Division Three and Division Two, and ultimately achieving ODI status, has been incredibly rewarding. The collective effort of players, coaches, and volunteers has been vital in this success,” he said.

Jannisar also pointed out young stars, who have the potential to serve the USA team in the future.

“Young talents like Ali Sheikh, Rayan Bhagani, and Rehman Dar, who have represented the Under-19 USA and USA ‘A’ teams, are prime examples of the bright future ahead for American cricket. As these players continue to develop, we can expect to see more athletes qualifying for the national team in the coming years,” he concluded.