Abdul Haq to Play for His Fortune - - Truck Driver in The Practice Camp For New Zealand Series

A Pakistani truck driver, who works in Abu Dhabi, has become the focus in the training camp set up in Lahore for the national cricket team ahead of its tour of New Zealand.

Abdul Haq, a Pakistani truck driver works in Abu Dhabi, has got all the media attention in a matter of days after he was spotted at the Pakistan team's nets in Abu Dhabi last month during the series against South Africa.

Quite amazingly, the same truck driver has been included as a practice bowler in the recent training camp at Lahore set up for the New Zealand series. It seems that the coaches and manager are  too impressed with the abilities of the bowler.  

It is just a chance for Abdul Haq to prove himself, he told media that "It is like a dream to be bowling to the Pakistani players. I am learning a lot just being here and getting a lot of tips from Waqar Younis and Aaqib Javed."

Abdul Haq, the lanky 27-year old from the tribal area of South Waziristan, was forced to leave Pakistan and find work as a truck driver in Abu Dhabi last year due to his personal financial responsibilities.

"I had played some matches in domestic cricket grade-two but gave up hope and left for Abu Dhabi because I needed to earn money for my myself and my family," Haq said.

He said that he now desired to play for Pakistan.

"The coaches have asked some departmental teams to look at me and sign me on. They have also told me to keep on practicing regularly," he said.

Sources do not rule out the likelihood of the national selectors naming the unknown Abdul Haq in the initial squad for the World Cup as Pakistan cricket has a history of selecting unknown players and pushing them into the limelight.

"There is no doubt he has talent and potential but is pretty raw," Waqar said.

Not surprisingly Haq's heroes are Imran Khan and Waqar Younis himself.

"I grew up watching them on television and to just be bowling under his guidance is a big plus for me," Haq said.


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