Islamabad, Oct 7; Aamer Jamal’s journey in the world of cricket is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Mianwali in July 1996, he began his professional career in 2013 with the U-19 departmental and regional team in Rawalpindi.
However, to support his family, he balanced his cricket aspirations with a taxi-driving business and later worked as a bricklayer.
A Life-Changing Move to Australia
In 2017, Jamal relocated to South Windsor, Sydney, where he met his lifelong friend and roommate, Pat Lawrence, a teammate from Hawkesbury.
Lawrence describes Jamal as a shy yet friendly individual who quickly learned the game and even excelled in cooking. During this time, Jamal trained alongside future Australian captain Pat Cummins at the Penrith club, gaining valuable experience.
Rising Through the Ranks
Jamal made his first-class debut for Pakistan Television in the 2018-19 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he faced a rocky start with the bat but shone with the ball, taking 4/28. A year later, he made headlines in the ECB Yorkshire South Premier League, debuting for Doncaster Town with a remarkable 5-45 against Tickhill. By 2022, he had made his T20 debut (in 2021), T20I debut, and PSL debut with Peshawar Zalmi.
Test Cricket Breakthrough
Despite his growing fame, the pinnacle of Jamal’s career came when he was selected for the Pakistan Test squad for the 2023-24 Australian tour in the absence of Naseem Shah. As the leader of the attack, he made an impressive debut, taking 6/111 against Australia and dismissing key players like Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. Although the match ended in a crushing defeat for Pakistan, Jamal’s performance was commendable, finishing with 7/139 in his debut match.
Memorable Performances and Challenges
On January 3, 2024, Jamal played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where he scored a career-best 82 runs and took 6/69, earning the Player of the Match award. Throughout the series, he accumulated 143 runs and 18 wickets, only trailing behind Cummins. Jamal’s aggressive batting and precise bowling made him a standout player, thriving where many of his teammates struggled.
Looking Ahead
Despite a setback due to a back issue that interrupted his homecoming against Bangladesh, Jamal is poised to return to Test cricket at Multan on October 7, 2024. This match marks a significant moment in his career, as it takes place at the venue of his first-class debut, potentially allowing him to lead the Pakistan bowling attack once again.
Aamer Jamal’s story exemplifies resilience and determination, illustrating how hard work and dedication can lead to success on the international stage. As he prepares for his next challenge, cricket fans around the world eagerly await what this talented bowler will achieve next.
