Sialkot Region’s nail-biting one-wicket victory over Peshawar Region on January 5 at the UBL Sports Complex in Karachi marked their third Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title. While the team effort was commendable throughout the 2024-25 first-class season, one name stood out as a linchpin in their success: Azan Awais.
The 20-year-old opening batter from Sialkot dazzled in his debut first-class season, emerging as the tournament’s top scorer with a staggering 844 runs in 13 innings at an average of 76.73. His consistency, ability to build innings, and knack for thriving under pressure made him the standout performer in Sialkot’s journey to the title.
The Breakthrough Season
Azan’s introduction to first-class cricket was as memorable as it was impactful. Making his debut against FATA Region at the Jinnah Stadium in Gujranwala, he got off the mark with a composed 51 off 89 balls, showing early signs of his temperament and technique. Just two matches later, he announced himself with a maiden century – 130 off 219 balls against Dera Murad Jamali – in a mammoth 312-run opening stand alongside Ashir Mehmood.
By the time the tournament concluded, Azan had amassed four centuries, including a monumental 203 not out against Peshawar in the triangular stage at Abbottabad. That innings was a masterclass in concentration, as he spent over five hours at the crease, facing 407 balls to anchor his team to a commanding position.
“I’ve really enjoyed my first outing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and learned a lot from this experience. The team management and senior players have been really supportive,” said Azan, reflecting on his sensational debut season.
Crafting Big Innings: The Hallmark of Azan’s Game
What set Azan apart was his ability to bat long and score big, a skill he attributed to his rigorous preparation after transitioning from the Pakistan U19 setup.
“My intent to bat long during the Quaid Trophy stemmed from realising the importance of batting with focus even after notching a milestone like a century,” he explained. “As an opening batter, I felt the responsibility to hold one end because, against the Dukes ball, your team can lose wickets in clusters.”
This maturity is rare in a player so young, but Azan credited the role of his mentors in shaping his approach. He worked extensively with Mansoor Amjad, a prominent figure in Sialkot’s coaching staff, and gained valuable experience through his domestic commitments with the Panthers in Champions’ events.
A Journey of Growth
Azan’s rise has been methodical. He began the year with the Pakistan U19 team’s tour to South Africa, followed by a remarkable showing in the President’s Trophy Grade-II, where he amassed 504 runs in just four matches. His white-ball credentials were strengthened with a stint in the Pakistan Shaheens squad during their home series against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Islamabad, before earning his List A cap in the Champions One-Day Cup.
These experiences sharpened Azan’s skill set and prepared him for the demands of first-class cricket. His performances in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy were a testament to the hard work and adaptability he displayed throughout the year.
The Road Ahead
As Azan gears up for the President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament, where he will represent Eshaal Associates, expectations are high. The southpaw’s ability to adapt to different formats and conditions has already positioned him as one of Pakistan’s most promising young talents.
For Azan, however, the focus remains on continual improvement. “Scoring runs for my team in various conditions has really boosted my confidence. But I know there’s a long way to go, and I aim to keep learning and performing,” he said with characteristic humility.
A Star in the Making
Azan Awais’s first-class debut season has all the hallmarks of a future star in the making. His exploits with the bat were not only instrumental in Sialkot’s success but also a beacon of hope for Pakistan cricket.
With his blend of technique, temperament, and hunger for runs, Azan has already proven he belongs at the highest level. And as he takes the next step in his journey, fans and selectors alike will be watching keenly, expecting more brilliance from this rising star of Pakistan cricket.
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