Dominic Cork backs young pacer as future star for Pakistan

Former England cricketer Dominic Cork has praised young Pakistani pacer Ali Raza, calling him a future star of the national team. Cork believes the 17-year-old fast bowler has the skills and mindset to become a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling attack in the years ahead.

Speaking about Raza’s performances, Cork said, “This competition for the PCB is to grow young talent to play for Pakistan. I believe Ali Raza can be opening the bowling for Pakistan — that’s how good I think he can be.”

Ali Raza is currently playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 and has delivered some impressive performances. In seven matches, he has taken nine wickets at an average of 24.11 and an economy rate of 8.03.

Due to his strong showing in the PSL, Raza is now being considered for selection in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin later this month. 

According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shortlisted five players for the series — four experienced names and one emerging talent. The players under consideration are Sahibzada Farhan, Hussain Talat, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and Ali Raza.

Originally planned as a series of three ODIs and three T20Is under the Future Tours Programme (FTP), the schedule has now been revised to include only five T20I matches.

The series will take place at two venues — Faisalabad and Lahore — between May 25 and June 3. Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad will host the first two matches, while the final three games will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. All matches will start at 8:00 PM local time.

Pakistan has a strong record against Bangladesh in T20Is, having won 16 of their 19 meetings. Bangladesh has won only three matches so far.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series schedule:

May 25 – 1st T20I at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (8:00 PM)
May 27 – 2nd T20I at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (8:00 PM)
May 30 – 3rd T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM)
June 1 – 4th T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM)
June 3 – 5th T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM)