During a break in play during an England versus Australia one-day clash last English summer, the TV commentators turned their attention to some grainy footage shot on a smartphone.
The video, in which a young boy was shown practicing sweep shots in his living room, drew praise from English cricket greats Mike Atherton and Kevin Pietersen, the latter of whom complimented him for "picking the length really well".
Highlights:
- Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Ahmed Raza was five when his family immigrated to Australia.
- The 13-year-old has earned praise from cricketing greats like Kumar Sangakkara, Kevin Pietersen and Mike Atherton.
- During lockdown last year, the aspiring cricketer took to practicing inside his house for two hours every day.
For Ahmed, who has been playing cricket since the age of three, it was an honour to be discussed by such legends of the game.
"I am trying to improve and learn because as a cricketer you can never be at the top. There is always room for improvement," he tells SBS Urdu.
Ahmed Raza started playing cricket at the age of three. Source: Supplied by Raza Saeed
‘A land of opportunity'
Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Ahmed was five when his family immigrated to Australia - the same age as Australian batsman Usman Khawaja when he arrived Down Under.
Ahmed cites Pakistani-born Khawaja, the first Muslim to play international cricket for Australia, as an inspiration
“Usman Khawaja is a great example of hard work, dedication and commitment. Australia is a land of opportunity. If you are good at something, the sky is the limit for you,” he says.
Ahmed skill and dedication has caught the attention of cricketing legends. Source: Supplied by Raza Salman
While the Pakistan national team also holds a place in his heart, Ahmed cheers loudest for Australia.
"My favourite players are Ricky Ponting and Steve Smith because they are technically good and mentally strong," he adds.
‘Daily dedication’
Mid-2021, when Melbourne was again plunged into lockdown due to COVID-19, Ahmed says he used the downtime to watch all the English summer cricket action, and practice his batting and wicketkeeping.
His father, Saeed Raza, explains, "The grounds were all closed but we utilised our living room so he could train and improve his skills."
“He carefully watched the techniques used by the players on TV and then practiced them at home for two hours every day.”
Faced with lockdown in Melbourne, Ahmed took to practicing inside his house for two hours every day. Source: Supplied by Raza Saeed
Saeed says it is a "blessing" that his son has caught the eye of cricket legends at such a young age.
"Such appreciation encourages Ahmed to improve as a cricketer and also should inspire other children too," he says.
‘Stay focused’
Ahmed’s lockdown routine paid off last year when, as captain of Diamond Valley Cricket Association in the under-12s Keith Mitchell Shield, he earned the Champion Player Award.
The youngster says he has scored around 2,500 runs and taken over 120 wickets in his young career.
But Ahmed is not letting his recent success go to his head, and says he is just focused on the next ball, and taking as many catches and as many wickets as he can.
As captain of Diamond Valley Cricket Association in the under-12s Keith Mitchell Shield, Ahmad earned the Champion Player award. Source: Supplied by Raza Saeed
For his part, father Saeed says helping his son train and taking him to matches is "almost a full-time job".
“I haven’t taken a holiday in two years as my weekends are always engaged, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
“I’m just happy Ahmed’s in such a supportive environment. I don’t think back in Pakistan he would have access to such great facilities and coaching. There are many pathways for him.
I fully support him in chasing his dream.
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