Muhammad Jawadullah, a Pakistani-born cricketer, has undergone a remarkable transformation from working as an electrician to becoming a pivotal player in the UAE’s national cricket team. His incredible journey began just four years ago, where he was primarily engaged in playing tennis ball cricket. The turning point came when Jawadullah, now 24, arrived in the UAE in January 2020, seeking employment as an electrician.
Initially stationed in Khor Fakkan, he juggled work with cricket, participating in local matches. However, his dream was to play hard-ball cricket, and this aspiration materialized when a friend introduced him to a hard-ball match in Al Ain. In that game, he managed to take three wickets, marking the start of his journey into the realm of hard-ball cricket.
Jawadullah’s proficiency in taking wickets with the hard ball quickly gained attention from UAE cricket authorities. He began playing club-level cricket matches in Ajman, showcasing impressive performances that led to an opportunity in the star-studded UAE franchise league, the ILT20. His remarkable debut against cricket legend Joe Root further solidified his place in the cricketing scene.
The left-arm pace bowler’s journey reached new heights when he earned his first UAE cap on February 16 last year. Since then, Jawadullah has picked up 26 wickets in 19 international matches for the UAE, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Notably, he played a crucial role in the New York Strikers’ recent victory in the Abu Dhabi T10, where he was honored with the UAE Player of the Tournament award.
Jawadullah, who cites Wasim Akram and Mohammed Amir as his cricketing heroes, expressed his gratitude for the support from the Emirates Cricket Board. He now has a contract with them, allowing him to focus on cricket without having to work as an electrician. The young cricketer dreams of achieving more victories for the UAE against formidable teams and harbors ambitions of bowling against cricket giants like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam.
Back in Pakistan, Jawadullah’s family takes immense pride in his cricketing achievements. His success story is also intertwined with the support of a friend named Salik Anees, who played a crucial role in helping him navigate challenges during his journey. With ambitions to bowl against some of the best batsmen globally, Muhammad Jawadullah is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and passion in the world of sports.
