Haroon Bakht’s Stunning Century for Abbottabad Region U-15
Haroon Bakht, the captain of the Abbottabad Region U-15 Team, scored a magnificent century in the National U-15 Cup, smashing 107 runs with 12 boundaries included. This remarkable innings is a testament to his consistent outstanding performance, which has strengthened the team’s position. Suleman Mehmand, President of Al-Minar Cricket Club Mardan, congratulated Haroon on this incredible achievement. Special thanks and appreciation also go to Haroon’s father, Bakht Muhammad, and the Fakhar Zaman Academy for their guidance and support. Haroon’s performance is a great inspiration for young cricketers in the Abbottabad Region.
Muhammad Huzaifa from Mardan, also bowled exceptionally well and got 5 wickets. He is a talented off-spinner, and his shown signs of a quality spinner. Both players have been groomed and trained at Fakhar Zaman Cricket Academy, Mardan.
Khalid Usman Leads from the front in President’s Trophy Grade-I
32nd Match, Karachi | February 19 – 22, 2025
The Pakistan WAPDA Cricket Team, led by the inspirational Khalid Usman, delivered a stellar performance in the 32nd President’s Trophy Grade-I match against the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan in Karachi. Usman’s all-round brilliance once again proved why he is one of the most valuable players in the tournament, as he guided his team to a commanding position with both bat and ball, and resulted in match draw.
Khalid Usman’s Match-Winning Performance
- With the Ball: Khalid Usman showcased his mastery with the ball, claiming an impressive 5-wicket haul. His left-arm spin dismantled the HEC Pakistan batting lineup, turning the tide in WAPDA’s favor.
- With the Bat: Usman contributed a vital 23 runs in a tense situation, demonstrating his ability to step up when the team needed him the most.
Khalid Usman’s Stellar Tournament Stats
Khalid Usman has been the backbone of the WAPDA team throughout the President’s Trophy Grade-I. Here’s a look at his remarkable campaign so far:
- Batting:
- Total Runs: 461
- Innings: 13
- Average: 51.22
- Achievement: Usman currently holds the 2nd highest score for WAPDA in the tournament, highlighting his consistency and reliability with the bat.
- Bowling:
- Total Wickets: 35
- Achievement: Usman is the leading wicket-taker in the President’s Trophy Grade-I, proving his dominance with the ball.
Keep up the brilliant performances, Saim! Bigger achievements await you
Abbottabad U-17 Team Tops Group A, Qualifies for Triangular Stage in PCB National U17 Tournament 2024-25
The Abbottabad Region U-17 Team has made the entire region proud by qualifying for the Triangular Stage in the PCB National U17 Tournament 2025, showcasing the immense talent and potential that Abbottabad has to offer. It is essential to mention that the AKRC U-17 Team topped Group A of the tournament, which comprised strong regional teams like Abbottabad, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, and Larkana. They played exceptionally well, winning their matches with an impressive Net Run Rate of 2.510, which secured their position at the top of the table. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and guidance of ARCA President Aamir Nawab, Coach Adnan Raees, Manager Jamal Khan, and the entire Abbottabad Regional Cricket Association (ARCA) team, who have mentored and coached these young cricketers to excellence. Special recognition goes to standout performers like Muhammad Saim, Hassan Khan, and Sudais Ahmad, whose exceptional performances have been instrumental in the team’s success. The Triangular Stage will commence on February 24, 2025, with the final scheduled for February 28, 2025, between the top two teams. This milestone not only highlights the bright future of cricket in Abbottabad but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring young players in the region. Congratulations to the entire team and ARCA for this incredible achievement.
A phenomenal performance by Muhammad Saim of Yasir Shah Cricket Academy, who dismantled the Regional Cricket Association U-17 Team with a stunning 8-wicket haul!
A genuine leg-spinner, Saim continues to prove his class, having already made his mark in the previous tournament and finishing among the Top 3 bowlers in Pakistan! His consistency, skill, and match-winning abilities make him a player to watch for the future.
Young Cricketers of Swabi and Mardan Shine in U-15 National Championship (Feb 18, 2025)
The U-15 National Championship witnessed outstanding performances from several rising stars, showcasing the immense talent emerging from various regions. All the youngsters are showcasing and expressing their talent under the leadership of Ahmad Said (Head Coach), and the managership of Sultan Hayat of Swabi.
Hammad Khan of Golden Cricket Club Swabi delivered a sensational performance, scoring a brilliant 121 runs against RCA Larkana U-15, earning him the Man of the Match award. In his previous game, he contributed a match-winning 53 runs, further proving his consistency and potential.
Haroon Bakhat, captain of RCA Abbottabad U-15 and son of renowned coach Bakht Muhammad Mohmand from Mardan, also played a crucial role, scoring 43 runs in the match. Earlier, he led from the front with a commanding 57-run captain’s knock in his last game, reinforcing his leadership qualities.
Sudais Ahmad added valuable runs to the scoreboard with an unbeaten 47, while debutant Ahmed Faheem from Yasir Shah Cricket Academy Shahmansoor Swabi made an immediate impact. Ahmed played an aggressive 27-run cameo off just 16 balls, smashing five boundaries, and delivered a stellar all-round performance by claiming four key wickets, playing a decisive role in his team’s success.
These exceptional performances highlight the promising future of young cricketers, emphasizing the depth of talent in Pakistan’s youth circuit. With such potential, these players are well on their way to making a mark in the cricketing world. With his dedication and remarkable skills, Hammad Khan is undoubtedly a player to watch in the years ahead.
YSCA Azmari Storm into Final with Dominant Victory Over YSCA Yousafzai (Feb 28, 2025)
The Inter-Academy One Day League witnessed an exciting semifinal clash between YSCA Yousafzai and YSCA Azmari at Yasir Shah Cricket Academy, Shahmansoor Swabi.
After winning the toss, YSCA Yousafzai opted to bat first, setting a target of 134 runs in 40 overs. Usama played a solid innings, scoring 59 runs, while Adil Waheed contributed 21 runs. On the bowling front, Hafiz Haris and Ashfaq delivered impressive performances, each claiming three wickets to restrict YSCA Yousafzai’s batting lineup.
In response, YSCA Azmari comfortably chased down the target in just 22 overs. Luqman led the charge with a commanding 50 runs*, while Sulaiman provided valuable support with 33 runs. Umar Khan was the standout bowler for YSCA Yousafzai, picking up two wickets, but it wasn’t enough to halt Azmari’s momentum.
For their exceptional bowling performances, Hafiz Haris and Ashfaq were jointly awarded the Man of the Match.
With this dominant victory, YSCA Azmari secured their place in the final, setting the stage for an exciting championship decider.
Young Cricketers of Swabi Shine in National U-17 Regional Championship 2025 at Lahore. (Feb 17, 2025)
The ongoing U-17 Abbottabad Regional Championship has witnessed exceptional performances from the young cricketers of Swabi, showcasing their immense talent and potential.
Muhammad Sudais of Pakhtunkhwa Cricket Academy Swabi continues his remarkable form, delivering a brilliant 131-run innings in his latest match. This follows his outstanding knock of 150 runs in his previous game, proving his consistency and dominance with the bat. Adding to his all-round abilities, he also picked up three crucial wickets, further solidifying his impact on the tournament.
Another rising star, Muhammad Saim, a talented leg-spinner from Yasir Shah Cricket Academy (YSCA) Shahmansoor Swabi, put on an impressive bowling display, securing three wickets against Faisalabad U-17 Cricket Team. Not just a bowler, Saim demonstrated his batting prowess as well, smashing an explosive 53 off just 30 balls in his last match.
Coaching and Management: The Driving Force Behind Success
Behind every successful team, a dedicated coaching and management staff is providing the necessary guidance and support. The U-17 Abbottabad Regional Team is currently under the leadership of Head Coach Adnan Raees, a highly accomplished cricketer who has played a significant amount of First-Class cricket and remained a successful batter throughout his career. His wealth of experience and deep understanding of the game have been crucial in shaping the team’s strategies and improving individual performances.
Supporting him is Team Manager Bakht Munir from Mardan, whose encouragement and management skills ensure a positive environment for the players to thrive. Their constant motivation, confidence-building, and strategic planning have paved the way for these young cricketers to perform at their best.
Additionally, the contributions of Coach Qamar, who has been instrumental in the development of Muhammad Sudais, and Coach Adnan Khan, who has played a key role in honing Muhammad Saim’s skills, cannot be overlooked. Their tireless efforts in training and mentoring these players are evident in their outstanding performances on the field.
With such talented players and a committed coaching staff, the future of Swabi cricket looks incredibly promising. This championship has not only highlighted individual brilliance but also emphasized the importance of mentorship and leadership in nurturing the next generation of cricketing stars.
PCB Power Hitters Program
Muhammad Khayam Selected for PCB Power Hitters Camp in Lahore (Jan 2025)
The young cricketing talent of Swabi continues to rise, as Muhammad Khayam, a standout wicketkeeper-batter from Gajju Khan Cricket Club Swabi and Abbottabad Regional Team, has earned selection for the prestigious PCB Power Hitters Camp in Lahore. This achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and consistent performances at various competitive levels.
Khayam, an exceptional stroke-maker and a dependable gloveman behind the stumps, has already made his mark in Pakistan’s U-19 team, where he represented the country on an international tour to Sri Lanka. His continued success in Grade II and District Championships has further solidified his reputation as one of the most promising young batters in the region.
The PCB Power Hitters Program, under the expert coaching of the legendary Abdul Razzaq, is designed to groom hard-hitting batters by enhancing their power-hitting techniques and overall batting skills. Khayam’s inclusion in this elite camp is a well-deserved recognition of his aggressive yet calculated batting style, which has repeatedly proven to be a match-winning asset for his teams.
A Proud Moment for Swabi Cricket
Muhammad Khayam’s selection is a proud moment for Swabi’s cricketing community, serving as an inspiration for young cricketers aspiring to reach the national stage. His journey from club cricket to regional success and now to a PCB High-Performance Camp is a clear indication that talent, dedication, and perseverance can open doors to bigger opportunities.
With the guidance of top coaches and the experience of training alongside Pakistan’s most promising batters, Khayam is set to refine his skills and take his game to the next level. His progress in the PCB Power Hitters Camp will be keenly followed by fans and cricket enthusiasts, as he continues to work towards his ultimate goal of representing Pakistan at the highest level.
The entire Swabi cricket fraternity extends its best wishes to Muhammad Khayam, hoping that this opportunity becomes a stepping stone for even greater achievements in his career. The future of Swabi cricket is bright, and Khayam is leading the way!
Aqib Khan: Emerging Fast Bowler from Swabi
Born on September 3, 1996, in Swabi, Pakistan, Aqib Khan is a talented right-arm medium-fast bowler and right-handed batter, known for his ability to generate pace and movement off the pitch. He has represented Pakistan at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels, proving his potential on the national stage. His impressive domestic career includes stints with Abbottabad Region, Buner, WAPDA, Abbottabad Falcons U-19, and Golden Cricket Club (Swabi). Over the years, he has established himself as a key wicket-taker, consistently performing under pressure and delivering match-winning spells.
Aqib’s dedication and relentless hard work earned him a well-deserved First-Class debut for WAPDA in February 2025, a significant milestone in his career. He made an immediate impact, announcing his arrival in First-Class cricket with a stunning five-wicket haul on debut, solidifying his reputation as a bowler with immense potential. His ability to swing the ball both ways, maintain accuracy, and trouble batters with his pace variations makes him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
At the local level, Aqib continues to dominate for Golden Cricket Club (Swabi), where his performances remain instrumental in his team’s success. With a strong domestic record and a hunger for success, Aqib Khan is on the path to greater heights. His consistency and dedication make him a strong candidate for higher honors, and with continued development, he could soon be knocking on the doors of Pakistan’s senior national team. The future looks bright for this emerging fast-bowling star from Swabi.
