Some Pakistani players finally managed to crack open the Indian-owned foreign league codes during the Major League Cricket draft.
Hammad Azam, Ehsan Adil, Mukhtar Ahmad, Saad Ali, Nauman Anwar, Sami Aslam, Shayan Jahangir and Saif Badar all heard their names called during the inaugural draft for different teams.
The caveat here is that all these players are not registered as Pakistani internationals but as US residents.
Hammad Azam, Ehsan Adil and Shayan Jahangir were picked by MI New York which is part of Mumbai Indians’ global franchise program. Their other sister teams include MI Cape Town (SA20), MI Emirates (ILT20), and Mumbai Indians-Women (WPL).
Mukhtar Ahmad and Saad Ali will suit up for Washington Freedom while Nauman Anwar was picked by Seattle Orcas.
Sami Aslam will play for Texas Super Kings and Saif Badar was selected by Los Angeles Knight Riders.
Pakistani internationals have not heard their names called in leagues with the majority of Indian owners despite being some of the most talented players in the world and applying their trade all over the globe.
Hammad Azam and Sami Aslam are perhaps the most recognisable names called during Major League Cricket draft.
Both had to leave Pakistan for the USA in order to pursue their cricketing dreams which seem to be panning out well.
The Major League Cricket, which is sanctioned by USA Cricket, will commence its inaugural season on July 13, 2023, with six teams participating in the first edition.
