Name: Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Nawaz is a left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, primarily playing the role of an all-rounder. Nawaz represents Pakistan on the international stage, having made his debut in 2016. His cricketing journey began at a young age, playing for local clubs and showing promise in domestic circuits. This earned him a spot in the Pakistan Under-19 team, where he participated in the 2012 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. In addition to his international commitments, Nawaz continued to contribute significantly in domestic cricket. He played for various teams, including Rawalpindi, National Bank of Pakistan, Karachi Blues, Sindh, United Bank Limited and Northern. His performances in domestic tournaments such as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the Pakistan Cup underscored his consistency and reliability as an all-rounder.
In 2012, Nawaz made his first-class debut for Rawalpindi. His contributions as a bowler and lower-order batsman made him a valuable player in domestic cricket. Over the next few years, he played consistently in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier first-class competition, where he further developed his skills.
Nawaz's career took a significant step forward in 2016 when he was bought by Quetta Gladiators for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In his debut match for the franchise against Islamabad United, he took four wickets for 13 runs in four overs. He finished the tournament as the fourth leading wicket-taker, which led to his inclusion in Pakistan's squad for the 2016 ICC World Twenty20.
In the same year, Nawaz made his T20 International debut for Pakistan against the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup on February 29, 2016. Later that year, he made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Ireland on August 18, 2016, scoring a half-century. Nawaz's early international career saw him primarily utilized as a bowler who could contribute with the bat in the lower order.
Nawaz's Test debut came on October 13, 2016, against the West Indies in Dubai. Over the next few years, he continued to be a part of Pakistan's limited-overs squads, participating in various series and tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
In domestic cricket, Nawaz's performances continued to gain recognition. He played for several teams, including Rawalpindi, National Bank of Pakistan, Quetta Gladiators, Balochistan, Karachi Blues, Sindh, United Bank Limited, Cape Town Blitz, Sylhet Sixers, Federal Areas, Northern, Rajshahi Royals, and Rangpur Riders.
In April 2018, Nawaz was named vice-captain of Baluchistan's squad for the Pakistan Cup, where he took the most wickets for his team during the tournament. Later that year, he participated in the first edition of the Afghanistan Premier League with Balkh. Nawaz's involvement in T20 leagues around the world included playing for Edmonton Royals in the Global T20 Canada and being selected for the Belfast Titans in the Euro T20 Slam, which was later cancelled.
In 2019, Nawaz was part of the Cape Town Blitz team for the Mzansi Super League and also played for Northern in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He was selected to play for the Rajshahi Royals in the Bangladesh Premier League and later named captain of Northern for the Pakistan Cup in 2021.
Nawaz's international career saw him participating in various series and tournaments. In June 2020, he was named as one of four reserve players for Pakistan's tour to England during the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2021, he was included in Pakistan's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Nawaz's performances in the T20I series against South Africa and Zimbabwe in 2021 highlighted his consistency as an all-rounder.
In July 2022, Nawaz took his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket against Sri Lanka. Later that year, during the Asia Cup, he played a significant role in Pakistan's record win against India, contributing both with the bat and ball. He was named man of the match for his all-round contributions.
In 2016, Nawaz made his mark in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with the Quetta Gladiators, where he finished as the fourth leading wicket-taker. His performances in the PSL earned him a call-up to Pakistan's national team for the ICC World Twenty20 that year. Nawaz continued to be a key player for Quetta Gladiators in subsequent PSL seasons, consistently delivering with the ball.
In the 2018 Pakistan Cup, Nawaz was the leading wicket-taker for Balochistan, showcasing his ability to perform in domestic tournaments. He was also part of the Afghanistan Premier League, playing for Balkh in the tournament's inaugural edition. Nawaz's involvement in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Global T20 Canada and the Mzansi Super League, highlighted his versatility and adaptability.
Nawaz's involvement in T20 leagues around the world included stints with Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League, Rajshahi Royals in the Bangladesh Premier League, and Edmonton Royals in the Global T20 Canada.
As of May 2023, Mohammad Nawaz has played six Test matches, scoring 144 runs at an average of 16.00 and taking 16 wickets with a best bowling figure of 2/88. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has appeared in 37 matches, scoring 406 runs at an average of 18.00, with a top score of 53, and taking 42 wickets with a best bowling figure of 2/19. In Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), Nawaz has played 57 matches, scoring 144 runs at an average of 17.00, with a top score of 45, and taking 47 wickets with a best bowling figure of 1/50.