Islamabad United’s 21-year-old batting all-rounder Muhammad Shahzad has made a quiet but impactful entry into the historic 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League. Hailing from Dera Ghazi Khan, Shahzad made his PSL debut in the tournament opener against Lahore Qalandars and has featured in four matches so far.
A product of the PCB’s grassroots development system, Shahzad’s cricketing journey began in 2017 at the U13 level, representing Multan Region. Since then, the right-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer has worn the Pakistan colours at U16 and U19 levels, including tours to Australia, Bangladesh, the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2021 in Dubai, and the ICC U19 World Cup 2022 in the West Indies.
Although part of the Multan Sultans squad in HBL PSL 9, Shahzad didn’t get a chance to play. He forced his way into the Islamabad United setup this season on the back of a stellar domestic campaign — one that has underlined his credentials as one of the brightest emerging all-rounders in Pakistan’s cricketing circuit.
In the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2024-25, representing PTV, Shahzad amassed 706 runs in nine matches, including three centuries and four fifties. He also picked up 20 wickets, with a five-wicket haul and a standout performance in the final — a century and five-for — earning him the player of the tournament award. In the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, he added 335 runs to his tally while representing Multan Region.
“Being picked by Islamabad United was a proud moment,” Shahzad shared. “I always heard they had one of the best team environments in the PSL — now that I’m here, I can confirm it’s true. I’ve never experienced such camaraderie and professionalism before.”
Shahzad’s preparation for the domestic season was meticulous. “I played in the PCB Inter District Senior tournament during peak summer, which really tested my fitness. That groundwork helped me perform in the longer tournaments later.”
Even though he didn’t shine in the Champions T20 Cup, Shahzad values the experience. “It was a good initiative with only five teams, which meant top-quality cricket and learning opportunities.”
Being surrounded by senior professionals has added another layer to his learning curve. “I’ve been observing players like Shadab Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Nawaz. Their game awareness in pressure situations is admirable — how they pace their innings or spells according to the match scenario. That’s something I want to emulate.”
An inspiring interaction came from West Indies’ Jason Holder, who is part of the United squad. “I had a chat with Jason bhai about what it means to represent your country and handle pressure in franchise cricket vs international cricket. It gave me a new perspective.”
Shahzad is ready to step up whenever needed. “My role is to bat around No. 6 or 7, but I stay padded up from early on. You never know when your name might be called. I’m mentally prepared to deliver with bat and ball whenever the team needs me.”
With Islamabad United unbeaten so far in the tournament, and the league stage heading into its crucial second half, Shahzad is hopeful of contributing more meaningfully if given the chance. “There’s still a long way to go in the tournament. I want to learn as much as I can — and when the opportunity comes — make it count.”
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