Rookie Rizwan wants to come into limelight

KARACHI: Islamabad United’s young batsman Rizwan Hussain is in UAE with an ambition of making a name for himself in the fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Rizwan was signed by Islamabad United a month before he dazzled in the National Twenty20 in December. He was the second highest run-getter behind Khurram Manzoor and made an instant impression with the bat.

But Islamabad official Rehan-ul-Haq had spotted the talent in the left-handed batsman after watching him bat in a club match.“I saw Rizwan play a club game,” said Rehan. “I inquired about him from a friend, who mentioned how good he was. Then, I shared his batting clips with Dean Jones, Hassan and all our coaching staff. Jones was immediately impressed. That’s how we picked him in the draft.”

Perhaps encouraged by his inclusion in the defending champions’ squad, Rizwan wants to justify his selection.He made 311 runs with four fifties for Lahore Blues before he ran out of the steam in the semi-final against Peshawar.

The 22-year-old batsman has impressed many with his style of batting. He is not afraid to hit the ball in the air and some of his shots are eye-catching. He hit 10 sixes in the National T20, one less than Sohaib Maqsood and only matched by Kamran Akmal.

Born in Pir Mahal, some 300km from Islamabad, Rizwan opened his eyes in a modest family.

“My father is an agriculturist, so he naturally wanted me to help him with his work. But once he got to know my interest, he encouraged me and told me that I can only make my name with hard work,” Rizwan said.

He now has an opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing for Pakistan and the objective can be achieved by doing well in PSL 4.

“Everyone welcomed me in the Islamabad United camp. Dean Jones is a big help and I am sure that I will do justice to my talent.”