Sporty Muslim – Anwar Ali

Full name: Anwar Ali
Born: November 25, 1987, Karachi, Sind
Current age: 28 years
Major teams:Pakistan, Karachi Blues, Karachi Dolphins, Karachi Harbour, Karachi Urban, Karachi Zebras, Pakistan A, Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan Under-19s, Sindh
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm medium-fast

His father died when he was a child, forcing him to work for eight hours a day to fulfil the household needs. Whatever time he got, he played tape-ball cricket to stay in touch with his love for the sport. This became Anwar’s routine. “I used to get Rs. 200 per day and that wasn’t enough for our family,” said Anwar.

His coaches wanted him to come for regular practice but due to the situation at his home, he had to do double shifts at times. Hearing Anwar’s story, the coaches gave him a contract of Rs 4,600 per month. From then because of his good performances, he got regular calls to play, and after 2006 U-19 World Cup Final heroics against arch rivals India, he started to cement his place in the team. Now, he plays a senior role down the batting order and causes trouble for the opposing batsman with his slower balls. Anwar Ali has truly been an outstanding cricketer for Pakistan – let’s hope his good form continues.

By Isam Hanif Majeed
14 years
L2L Academy, Karachi