‘Brilliant’ Ibtisam hopes to play for Pakistan

DUBAI: Peshawar Zalmi leggie Ibtisam Sheikh has received a big pat on his back from West Indian star Dwayne Smith who has hailed the talented youngster as ‘brilliant’.

Ibtisam, 19, has impressed with his ability to bamboozle batters at the very onset of the HBL Pakistan Super League and Smith said that youngsters like him will become superstars for Pakistan.

“I think it’s a big future of all of them. Good to see they have included youngsters. I am hoping that they become superstars for Pakistan. For the last three years, I have seen a lot of talent few of the talent like of Shadab (Khan) have gone playing for Pakistan,” he said.

Ibtisam, meanwhile, has set his sights on a prized spot in the national team.“By the grace of Allah my performance is going good in the tournament, it is an opportunity for me. God willing I will represent Pakistan,” he said in an interview.