Pakistan finds new 150kph fast bowler

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket may have found another promising speedster, with young fast bowler Qayyum Khan attracting attention after reportedly touching speeds close to 150 kilometres per hour in domestic cricket.

The pacer from Jhang impressed while representing the Sports Board Punjab in a Grade-II tournament, where his raw pace and bowling ability caught the attention of cricket officials.

His performances have now earned him an invitation to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, where he will receive specialised training aimed at refining his skills and helping him develop into a more complete fast bowler.

Qayyum’s emergence has generated excitement among followers of Pakistan cricket, a country that has traditionally produced some of the world’s most feared pace bowlers.

The youngster also showcased his abilities through the Prime Minister’s Talent Hunt Programme, an initiative designed to identify promising athletes from across Pakistan and provide them with opportunities to develop their potential.

While raw speed can immediately attract attention, Qayyum’s next challenge will be turning that pace into consistency. Fast bowling at the highest level requires much more than a high reading on the speed gun, including accuracy, fitness, movement and the ability to maintain pace over longer spells.

His call-up to the NCA represents an important step in that development process.

Pakistan has long valued genuine express pace, with fast bowlers playing a central role in the country’s cricketing identity. The emergence of another youngster capable of approaching the 150kph mark is therefore likely to generate considerable interest.

For Qayyum, however, the road to international cricket has only just begun.

The 150kph deliveries have opened the door, but sustained performances at the domestic level and progress during specialised training will determine whether he can eventually make the leap to Pakistan’s senior side.

Cricket authorities will hope that the youngster can build on his early promise without rushing his development.

With the NCA now providing him with access to structured coaching and specialised training, Qayyum has an opportunity to sharpen his technique, improve his physical conditioning and learn how to use his pace more effectively.

For Pakistan fans always searching for the next express pacer, Qayyum Khan could be a name worth watching.

From Jhang to the NCA, his journey has begun — and the real test will be whether raw speed can become international-class performance.