Talented batsman Hadi hopes to earn a place in Qatar team

DOHA (Qatar): Pakistan-born of Iranian descent Muhammad Hadi Khorasani preferred cricket over football and has since built a ‘special chemistry’ with the sport as a skilful left-handed batsman.

Since his family shifted from his native Karachi, Hadi has had represented Challengers CC, Rawal County CC, Kehtco CC, Warriors, CBQ and Punisher in the Qatar Cricket League (QCA).

But despite his impressive show in the domestic tournaments, a place in the Qatar national team has always eluded the articulate left-handed batsman.

“I attended a few trials in the past couple of years,” Hadi told Khel Updates on the sidelines of a friendly match at the Qatar Foundation ground.

The 31-year-old left-hand middle-order bat, one of the many talented players overlooked by the QCA selectors, also chips in as a right-arm bowler.

“I have high expectations of finding my way into the national team but I end up without any success. The trials are either never held or the selectors just keep an unchanged squad. It’s quite frustrating at times,” added Hadi.

Grew up playing in Karachi…

Before he shifted to the Qatari capital, Hadi grew up playing in Karachi and modelled his batting style after watching idols and West Indian left-handed greats Brain Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

The ease and disdain in which he sends spinners and pacers on a leather hunt bears resemblance to Lara and Chanderpaul.

The bearded batsman, who turned out for Sprite Cricket Stars, has been in good form this season after he plundered the bowlers in the recently held Twenty20 friendly matches.

“I’m looking forward to play in the B Division. Our squad has a few promising players like Adnan Mohammad from India and Raza Hamza from Pakistan,” added Hadi.

Hadi also divides his time between Doha and Karachi, and often travels frequently to play club cricket in Pakistan.

“I used to fly two or three times a year from Qatar to Pakistan, but I could not do this year due to Covid19. I travel to Pakistan to involve myself in club cricket,” said Hadi, who had stints at Moin Khan United Stars, Karachi Eagles, Ground Hawks and Karachi Whites.