
Zia Safi, a talented young fast bowler who has quickly made a name for himself through exceptional performances and relentless hard work
By Ijaz Ahmad Khan
PESHAWAR: A new star is emerging on Afghanistan’s cricket horizon—Zia Safi, a talented young fast bowler who has quickly made a name for himself through exceptional performances and relentless hard work. Born on September 26, 2000, Zia began his cricketing journey at the school level, and his raw talent soon paved the way for professional cricket. Over the past six years, he has been actively playing at various levels, impressing fans and cricket experts alike with his bowling skills.
Zia Safi’s early cricket development took shape at Peshawar’s renowned Malik Cricket Club, where he received his foundational training. It was here that he refined his abilities and mastered the key principles of fast bowling. Determined to elevate his game, he later joined Salahuddin Cricket Academy in Shah Alam, Peshawar. Under the guidance of experienced coaches and with access to modern training facilities, his performance improved significantly.

Zia has participated in several high-profile cricket tournaments in Peshawar, including the FATA Super League, Peshawar Premier League, and the All-Pakistan Railway Cricket Tournament held in Lahore. In the latter event, he represented Peshawar Division, delivering standout performances that played a crucial role in his team’s success. His impressive performances in domestic competitions have established him as a promising fast bowler.
In addition to making a mark in Pakistan’s cricketing circuit, Zia Safi has also showcased his talent in Afghanistan’s domestic cricket system. He excelled in the Samangan Inter-Club Cricket Tournament and various Grade-II cricket events, consistently proving to be a formidable bowler. His pace and accuracy earned him recognition, placing him among the top contenders in Afghanistan’s fast bowling trials.
Zia’s ultimate dream is to don the Afghanistan national team jersey and represent his country on the international stage. He is confident that his hard work and dedication will soon earn him a place in the squad. In a recent interview, he stated, My greatest ambition is to play for Afghanistan and contribute to my team’s success. I firmly believe that one day, my dream will become a reality.
His journey is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and passion. Zia Safi is among those young cricketers who not only dream big but also put in the hard work necessary to turn those dreams into reality. As Afghan cricket fans closely follow his progress, expectations are high that he will soon represent Afghanistan in international cricket and make a lasting impact on the global stage.