Jamal crowned Pakistan’s ‘King of Speed’

A fast bowler from Abbottabad won Pakistan’s “King of Speed” competition by bowling at a speed of 143 kph at legendary Wasim Akram’s bowling camp in Karachi on Monday.

The 24-year-old Ahmed Jamal has played 34 first class matches and has taken 129 wickets at an average of 27.60 since making his debut in 2009. He was one of the four pace bowlers selected for Akram’s camp from a countrywide talent hunt earlier this month.

Jamal also won a cash prize of 10,000 for clocking the fastest speed after four fast bowlers were allotted to bowl six balls each.

“I am very happy but I spent a sleepless last night,” Jamal said.

“I had planned to spend this money, but I am not going to disclose it now.”

Akhtar inspiration

Jamal said he had always wanted to emulate Pakistan’s former pace ace Shoaib Akhtar, who was nicknamed the “Rawalpindi Express.”

“I was always inspired by Shoaib Akhtar who was very fast so I wanted to bowl like him,” Jamal said.

Jamal was trained by Akram along with Pakistan’s frontline fast bowlers like Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan during the 10-day camp which concluded on Monday.

Akram was also impressed with the pace of Jamal and said the fast bowler could be an asset for Pakistan.

“He looks very good and if he works harder then he can increase his pace three to four kph,” Akram said.

Jamal now wants to represent Pakistan at international level and described the coaching of Akram as a “big thing” for him.

“These 10 days are the best of my life,” he said.

“What I have learnt in these 10 days is a big thing for me. I want to improve after this coaching and want to play for Pakistan.”

Akram said Pakistan has some talented fast bowlers and he will continue to do similar camps in future. He was particularly impressed with the improvement of Irfan and Khan, who would be the key fast bowlers for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in June.

“I am sure that Irfan and Junaid will improve with time,” Akram said.

“Irfan is a rare talent and should be used properly and Junaid is also showing great improvement.”

Akram will now travel to Abbottabad where Pakistan’s camp for the Champions Trophy starts later this week.