Mohsin Naqvi’s PCB To Fast Track Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Nemesis From Pakistan

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Mohsin Naqvi [Source: AFP]

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s archenemy from across the border might well make his international debut soon for the Pakistan team. Tearaway fast bowler Ali Raza, who had a run-in with Sooryavanshi back in December last year, is currently in consideration for a national call-up by the Pakistan selection committee.

The 18-year-old recently enjoyed a prolific PSL 2026 season for the title-winning Peshawar Zalmi franchise, doing so under the leadership of Pakistan veteran and legendary batter Babar Azam.

Ali Raza primed for Pakistan debut

As reported by journalist Saleem Khaliq, the Pakistan selection committee is keeping a close eye on 18-year-old fast bowler Ali Raza. The youngster is currently in consideration to make his national debut for the Pakistan team.

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As of now, it remains to be seen whether the selectors will hand Raza his maiden international cap in Pakistan’s upcoming home ODI series against Australia. The youngster appears to have emerged as a strong contender following his impressive PSL 2026 campaign.

The ODI series between the two sides is scheduled to be played between May 30 and June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Ali Raza shines in PSL 2026 and U19 World Cup

Ali Raza was also a part of the Peshawar Zalmi franchise that lifted the PSL 2026 title in Pakistan earlier this month. Playing under the leadership of Babar Azam, the 18-year-old cricketer picked up 10 wickets in just five innings of the tournament at an exceptional bowling average of 16.80.

The right-arm quick even decimated the Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings in successive games, picking up seven wickets in two innings combined at an expense of just 50 runs.

Even in the preceding ICC U19 World Cup 2026 earlier this year in Zimbabwe, the teenage pace sensation bagged 13 sticks in just five innings at an average of 13.92. The speedster finished the tournament as its joint-third highest wicket taker in the process.

When Ali Raza crossed paths with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Ali Raza has even seemingly ruffled India’s wonder kid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to some extent in recent months. Back in December last year during the 2025 U19 Asia Cup, Sooryavanshi and Raza had a fiery exchange with each other, with the Pakistani paceman winning the duel.

The speedster dismissed the India U19 opener for just 26 in the final, claimed four wickets overall in the game as Pakistan decimated the ‘Boys in Blue’ by 191 runs to lift the coveted title.

While the two cricketers also crossed paths in match number 36 of the 2026 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in Bulawayo, it was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Indian team that had the last laugh, securing a convincing victory over Pakistan in the high-stakes encounter.

The contrasting outcomes in those two encounters have only added another intriguing layer to the budding rivalry between the two young talents from India and Pakistan. With Ali Raza seemingly reaching the cusp of an international call-up, along with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, cricket fans might witness another chapter in this competitive narrative.

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