M. Ilyas, the Peshawar-born Pakistani cricketer, is a name that still echoes in the hearts of cricket fans! This right-handed medium-fast bowler was a sensation in the PSL, dazzling audiences with his blazing pace and deadly yorkers while representing Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, and Peshawar Zalmi. As a proud member of the PCB’s central contract list, Ilyas was on fire leaving batsmen trembling at the crease.
After a whirlwind journey of 28 PSL matches from 2018 to 2023, claiming 28 wickets and etching his name into the league’s history, Ilyas suddenly vanished from the spotlight! The cricketing world was left stunned, wondering what went wrong.
Who inspired Ilyas to become a cricketer?
M. Ilyas’s interview revealed his earliest inspiration, he further said,
“My elder brother used to play cricket, and I used to watch him. I often went with him to play that’s how I fell in love with this beautiful sport.”
Recently, The Green Team had the chance to relive the cricketing memories of M. Ilyas’s career through an exclusive interview.
Q: Why did you choose to become a cricketer, and how did your family react to your decision?
A: My enthusiasm drove me to choose this career, but my family strictly opposed it since my father was an imam of a masjid, and no one in our family had ever played cricket. One day, my late brother, who worked in Dubai, came home, and we went to play gully cricket. The captain praised my bowling and asked my brother to enroll me in an academy. My brother supported me, and because of him, the world knows me as a cricketer. May Allah grant him a higher rank in Jannah. Ameen.
Also see: Team of Champions Trophy 2025 by Green Team
Q: How much pressure do you feel as a bowler when defending a low total?
A: Yes, there is pressure because you know many people are watching, and your team’s victory depends on you. But it becomes easier when you have self-belief, when your captain has a clear strategy, and when you understand the conditions that helps a lot.
Q: Which batsman do you find hardest to bowl to?
A: In home conditions, where pitches are flat, I find it difficult to bowl to Abid Ali and Asad Shafiq in Tests, and Imad Wasim, Asif Ali, and Iftikhar Ahmed in T20s.
Q: Who is your favorite batsman?
A: Babar Azam is my favorite. He is truly a world-class batsman, his smooth stroke play and cover drives are a treat to watch.
Q: Have you ever bowled to Babar Azam?
A: Yes. In my first PSL match, I bowled to Babar Azam and dismissed him as well, but I haven’t had the chance to bowl to him again since then.
Q: Who is your favorite bowler?
A: Even among the world’s best, I would choose Naseem Shah. He has made his mark with fierce bowling, and he can contribute with the bat too. His game keeps getting stronger with time.
Q: What do you think about Pakistan’s domestic cricket culture?
A: Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure is tougher than many other countries. We have great talent even at the domestic level some players shine in the PSL as well. They just need to be identified and polished.
Also see: How India Improved their Domestic Cricket Structure?
Q: Do you see your future with PCB and the PSL?
A: I am still playing domestic cricket and working hard. I’m looking forward to whatever destiny has planned for me.
Q: Any message for cricket fans?
A: Support and respect your players because that means the most to us.
M. Ilyas’s interview beautifully highlighted his cricketing journey, challenges, and hopes for the future. The Green Team thanks M. Ilyas for his time and wishes him the best in his upcoming endeavors.
