Cricket’s Unsung Hero: Azhar Abbas’s Story of Dedication and Pride”
Lahore.Azhar Abbas has devoted his entire life to the game of cricket, beginning his professional journey at the age of 19. Originally from Zila Khanewal in Punjab, Pakistan, he is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Haji Nusrat Ali Haraj.
He began his schooling at Government Primary School in Gobindgarh and continued at Government High School Abdul Hakim. Later, he moved to Lahore to study at the prestigious Government College Lahore—an institution known for notable alumni like I.K. Gujral (before partition) and Pakistan’s current Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Although his family encouraged him to pursue a career in government service, Azhar’s passion for cricket eventually took center stage.
His cricketing journey took a significant turn when he moved to the UK. There, he played in the Bradford Premier League in Yorkshire from 1997 to 2003, before relocating to Surrey, where he competed in the Surrey County League. Though his family urged him to complete his studies in political science, Azhar chose to follow his cricketing dreams, playing as an overseas player in various English leagues.
In 2004, he came to New Zealand to play for the Karori Cricket Club as an overseas signing, while still actively playing in the Surrey League. Soon after, he joined the Wellington Firebirds. In 2005, he was appointed Head of Cricket at Eden Roskill Cricket Club, prompting his move to New Zealand. He remained there until 2008, balancing both playing and coaching duties. During this time, he also played for the Auckland Aces as an overseas player.
By 2009, he told Radio Tarana, he had reached a turning point and decided to retire from first-class cricket. The following year, he began his journey in talent development, becoming instrumental in shaping the careers of many young players through Auckland Cricket’s “Developing Future Aces” programme. Among those he has coached is Glenn Phillips, now a well-known name in New Zealand cricket.
From 2015 to 2021, Azhar served as the Auckland Aces’ bowling coach and headed the Auckland Cricket A Programme. In 2022, he returned to Wellington as the Firebirds’ bowling coach.
Azhar has also coached his own son, Mohammad Arslan Abbas, who now represents the Black Caps. Speaking to Tarana, Azhar shared that he wants to be by his son’s side as he transitions from domestic to international cricket—a phase he believes is the most crucial in a player’s career. He emphasised the importance of strong support during this period to help players navigate the challenges and thrive at the highest level.
Azhar Abbas remains a humble, passionate, and dedicated figure in the cricketing world. We congratulate him on his remarkable journey and commend his ongoing contributions to the game—both as a player and mentor.