A Pursuit of Cricketing Dreams: Muhammad Ahmad

In the bustling streets of Lahore, where cricket is more than just a game, Muhammad Ahmad’s journey began. Like countless other young boys in Pakistan, he discovered his love for the sport playing in the narrow lanes, where every six meant an argument over a lost ball, and every wicket sparked celebrations as if it were the World Cup final. But while many played for fun, Ahmad found his love deep in cricket.

The moment that led him to cricket madness, came in 2010 when he watched Abdul Razzaq’s heroic century against South Africa alongside his uncle. That night, something changed within him. He no longer wanted to just play cricket; he wanted to live it. From that moment, his path was set. He dedicated himself to the game, progressing from school-level cricket to representing Faran Gymkhana Cricket Club, a well-regarded institution in Lahore’s cricketing circuit for, by 2016, he had become the captain of the club.

A Changing Mindset

Ahmad’s approach to cricket evolved over the years. In his early days, he played for the sheer love of the game, focusing solely on enjoyment. But as he grew, he developed a more strategic outlook. He learned to construct an innings, anticipate bowlers’ tactics, and lead a team under pressure. More importantly, he built mental resilience through personal struggles—financial hurdles, a lack of initial family support, and the challenge of balancing a professional career with his cricketing ambitions.

Growing up in Lahore, a city that has given the world cricketing legends, Ahmad found inspiration in the likes of Younis Khan. He admired Younis for his grit, his unparalleled ability in the slips, and the remarkable fact that he had more centuries than fifties. Babar Azam and Inzamam-ul-Haq also shaped his batting style, but it was Younis Khan’s unwavering determination that left a lasting impression.

Balancing Cricket and Professional Life

Unlike many aspiring cricketers who dedicate their entire lives to the sport, Ahmad faces a unique challenge—juggling a full-time job with his cricketing commitments. As a senior sales executive at Ibex Global, he works night shifts and plays cricket during the day, often going up to 40 hours without sleep just to fulfill both responsibilities.

The physical toll is immense. After exhausting night shifts, he heads straight to the cricket ground, battling fatigue with sheer willpower. The financial aspect is another challenge. Without a departmental contract, he has to bear the costs of playing himself. But quitting has never been an option. Every time he holds a bat, he remembers why he started. The thrill of a well-timed shot, the roar of the crowd, and the dream of playing at the highest level keep him going.

Unwavering Passion

Ahmad’s passion for cricket has only intensified over the years. Cricket isn’t just a sport to him—it’s his purpose, his dream, and his motivation to keep pushing forward. On tough days, when exhaustion creeps in or a poor performance shakes his confidence, he finds solace in watching highlights of his best innings or reflecting on his sacrifices. It reminds him that every setback is just a stepping stone to success.

His training routine is meticulously structured to fit into his demanding schedule. With limited time, he focuses on quality over quantity, ensuring that his net sessions, fitness drills, and mental conditioning are optimized. On his off days, he puts in extra effort to make up for missed sessions, knowing that every small improvement brings him closer to his goals.

Mental Strength and Support System

Cricket is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Ahmad has faced countless obstacles—financial struggles, missed opportunities, favoritism in selection—but instead of breaking under pressure, he has used these challenges to fuel his determination.

Initially, his family wasn’t fully supportive of his cricketing ambitions, but over time, close friends and teammates became his pillars of strength. Their belief in him and his own resilience have kept him going through the highs and lows of his journey.

The Road Ahead

When asked about his future, Ahmad doesn’t hesitate—he dreams of playing professional cricket, whether in Pakistan’s domestic circuit or in county cricket abroad. His short-term goal is to secure a departmental contract, which would provide him with the financial stability needed to focus entirely on his game. But in the long run, he wants to make a name for himself, proving that talent, not connections, should determine success.

To young cricketers facing similar struggles, his message is clear: “Never give up. No matter how tough things get, keep pushing forward. Hard work and perseverance always pay off. Cricket isn’t just about skill—it’s about mental strength, fitness, and strategy. If you keep working, your time will come.”

Defining Moments

Among his proudest achievements, one stands out—a crucial knock of 74 runs in a high-stakes club match where his team had lost early wickets. It wasn’t a century, but the impact of that innings meant more to him than any three-figure score.

Another defining moment in his career was earning a place in a reputed university in Pakistan as a batsman. He not only represented his university in inter-university tournaments but also completed his degree on a sports-based scholarship, proving that cricket and academics could go hand in hand.

Currently, he captains Faran Gymkhana and represents Ibex Global in the Pakistan Corporate League. But his ambitions stretch beyond these achievements—he dreams of playing professional cricket abroad and showcasing his talent on bigger stages.

For Muhammad Ahmad, cricket is more than just a sport; it’s the driving force behind his relentless pursuit of excellence. With determination in his heart and a bat in his hands, he continues to chase his dream, undeterred by obstacles, knowing that one day, his hard work will turn his aspirations into reality.