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Amidst the ebb and flow of international cricket, Fawad Alam’s decision to bid adieu marks a poignant moment in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape. With a career spanning 15 years, Alam’s journey, while marked by sporadic opportunities, has left an indelible mark. As he steps away from the international stage, let’s delve into the reasons that have led him to this significant juncture.
Fawad Alam’s Transition to Chicago: A New Chapter Begins
In a surprising twist, Fawad Alam, aged 37 and a veteran of Pakistan cricket, has chosen to embark on a new chapter across the Atlantic. Set to join the ranks of the Chicago Kingsmen in the Minor League Cricket T20, Alam’s decision aligns with the evolution of the sport on a global scale.
The Minor League Cricket T20 serves as a gateway, intricately linked to the recently concluded Major League Cricket (MLC) T20 event in the United States. Alam’s move follows the trail blazed by several Pakistani contemporaries, including Sami Aslam, Hammad Azam, Saif Badar, and Mohammad Mohsin, who have chosen the USA as their cricketing playground.
A Journey of Peaks and Valleys: Alam’s Stint in International Cricket
Despite making his white-ball debut for Pakistan in 2007, Fawad Alam’s journey in the national cricketing realm has been one of fluctuating fortunes. A striking Test debut in 2009, accompanied by a remarkable century, soon gave way to a period of limited opportunities. An inexplicable hiatus of 11 years elapsed before his return to Test cricket, even as he amassed impressive domestic runs, boasting an average of 55.
It wasn’t until 2020 that his fortunes revived, securing his spot in the Test squad. A testament to his resilience, he notched a memorable century against New Zealand, weathering challenging conditions. Subsequent triumphs against South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe underscored his resurgence.
Challenges and the Road Ahead: Fawad Alam’s Technique Tested
However, Fawad Alam’s unorthodox batting technique encountered a significant challenge against Australia in early 2022. On tracks that appeared benign, he struggled, mustering just 33 runs across four innings. This struggle culminated in a Test against Sri Lanka in July 2022, leading to his exclusion from the squad.
While Alam’s contribution to Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup victory remains a highlight, his post-championship T20 appearances remained limited. An international career comprising 19 Tests, 38 ODIs, and 24 T20Is for Pakistan, featuring five Test centuries and a solitary ODI century against Sri Lanka in the 2014 Asia Cup, reflects his impact on the field.
As Fawad Alam steps away from international cricket, his unique journey and contributions will undoubtedly resonate in the annals of Pakistan cricket history. His decision ushers in a new era, prompting reflection on the evolution and global nature of the sport.
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