Who is Saqib Mahmood: England have announced fast bowler Saqib Mahmood, a Pakistani-born cricketer, for the second ODI against India.

Who is England player Saqib Mahmood?

On one hand, KL Rahul is not playing for India in the second ODI due to illness. On the other hand, England has given a chance to fast bowler Saqib Mahmood, who made his international debut in 2019 but has repeatedly been dropped from the team. Did you know that Saqib Mahmood has a special connection to Pakistan? Learn this unheard truth about his life story here.

Who is Saqib Mahmood?

Saqib Mahmood was born on February 25, 1997, in Birmingham, England. He was raised and educated there. Saqib was gradually establishing himself in English domestic cricket, and during this time, he had a stellar performance in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. He was England's leading wicket-taker in the 2016 World Cup, dismissing 13 batsmen.

Saqib remained under the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) radar after that, and finally earned his international debut in the T20I series against New Zealand. Saqib proved expensive in his debut series, but only three months after his T20I debut, he earned his ODI debut. He made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2022.

What is the connection with Pakistan?

Although Saqib Mahmood was born in England, he is of Pakistani descent. His family comes from the Punjab province of Pakistan. Saqib's father's name is Tariq Mahmood. Tariq Mahmood and his wife moved from Pakistan to England in 1997, before Saqib Mahmood was born.

Saqib's career has been illustrious, with 25 wickets in 17 ODIs and 24 dismissals in 20 T20Is. He has also played two Test matches for England, taking six wickets. Unfortunately, his career has been plagued by injuries.