The New Zealand Cricket Board has announced its squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, featuring Mohammad Arsalan Abbas, the son of former Pakistani first-class cricketer Azhar Abbas.
Azhar Abbas, who played domestic cricket in Pakistan before moving to New Zealand, expressed his immense happiness in an interview. He stated, “I am very happy at this moment. Mohammad Arsalan Abbas is a fighter and always gives a tough time to opponents, no matter which team he faces. It will be an exciting match against Pakistan.”
Azhar Abbas’s Journey and Son’s Cricketing Career
Azhar Abbas moved to New Zealand when Mohammad Arsalan Abbas was just one year old. He continued playing domestic cricket in New Zealand and is now serving as the assistant coach for Wellington Firebirds.
He shared that Arsalan has been consistently performing well in New Zealand’s domestic circuit for the past two and a half years, which led to his selection in the national squad.
Cricket Runs in the Family
Azhar Abbas hails from Roshan Pur, a small village in Khanewal, Pakistan, where he played domestic cricket before moving abroad. He revealed that from the day his son was born, he was determined to make him a professional cricketer.
“I worked hard and transferred my cricketing experience to him. Now, it is a proud moment that he got the chance to play against Pakistan,” said Azhar Abbas.
A Proud Moment for a Pakistan-Origin Cricketer
Despite being originally from Pakistan, Mohammad Arsalan Abbas will be representing New Zealand in the ODI series. Azhar Abbas acknowledged the emotions involved, stating, “We are Pakistanis at heart, but living here, we got the opportunity to play for New Zealand.”
