Pakistan’s 150kph prospect Qayyum Khan begins NCA training

LAHORE: Pakistan’s search for its next generation of express fast bowlers has gained momentum with uncapped pacer Qayyum Khan joining a specialised development camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The right-arm fast bowler from Jhang, Punjab, has attracted attention for his ability to generate extreme pace, with Pakistan team selector and High Performance Centre director Aqib Javed recently describing him as a promising new talent capable of bowling at around 150 kilometres per hour or even faster.

Qayyum joined the five-day fast-bowling development camp on Monday as the Pakistan Cricket Board continues efforts to develop young pace prospects for the national team.

Aqib had earlier identified Qayyum as one of the emerging bowlers who could help Pakistan rebuild its traditional fast-bowling strength.

“We have found a new gem from Jhang, Qayyum, who can bowl at 150 kmph and even faster,” Aqib said while discussing the country’s fast-bowling resources.

He acknowledged that Pakistan currently needed more genuine fast bowlers and quality fast-bowling all-rounders. The development programme, he said, was designed to prepare young players for opportunities at the senior level.

The current camp is being supervised by the NCA coaching staff and focuses specifically on the physical and technical requirements of fast bowling.

Pakistan men’s white-ball assistant coach Ashley Noffke has been overseeing the bowlers during action and fitness assessments. The players are also undergoing target-bowling drills designed to improve accuracy, consistency and control while maintaining pace.

The camp features 20 bowlers, including 12 fast bowlers and eight spinners. While the pacers are currently the focus, the spinners will participate in a separate development camp scheduled from August 31 to September 4.

For Qayyum, the camp represents an important step in his journey from Jhang to the national cricket setup. His raw speed has already generated excitement, but the challenge now will be converting that natural pace into sustained performance.

Fast bowling has long been closely associated with Pakistan cricket, which has produced world-class pacers across generations. However, maintaining a steady supply of high-quality fast bowlers remains an ongoing challenge.

The PCB’s latest development initiative is aimed at ensuring promising youngsters receive specialised coaching before being exposed to international-level cricket.

Qayyum’s progress will therefore be watched closely. If he can combine his reported 150kph pace with accuracy, fitness and tactical discipline, the young Jhang pacer could emerge as one of Pakistan’s most intriguing prospects for the coming seasons.

Fast bowlers in NCA Development Camp:

Razaullah (Peshawar Region), Mohammad Salman (Lahore Region), Qayyum Khan (Faisalabad Region), Abdul Subhan (Sialkot Region), Abuzar (Peshawar Region), Mohammad Imran Jnr (Peshawar Region), Muhammad Imran (Bahawalpur Region)

Spinners

Mehran Mumtaz (Rawalpindi Region), Mubasir Khan (Rawalpindi Region), Saad Masood (Rawalpindi Region), Faisal Akram (Multan Region), Arafat Minhas (Multan Region), Abrar Ahmed (Karachi Region), Danish Aziz (Karachi Region), Mohammad Nawaz (Rawalpindi Region)