Snippets of Conversation with Riazat Ali Shah
“Like every other boy in Pakistan, I began playing cricket on the streets of Gilgit Baltistan. My passion and admiration for this sport was like no other. With time, I began growing and developing in this field. No one believed that I could make it far in cricket. However, after a lot of struggles and endless efforts I got the opportunity to play at the National level."
How important was cricket for you?
"I never gave up on my passion. Instead, I took everything positively and worked even harder to achieve my dreams. I come from a family, where most of my siblings opted for a career in Medicine and Engineering."
Was it hard work?
"I made a slow but steady progress. I travelled each day for at least 3 hours to get to the club and the training was intense. In search for more opportunities, I moved closer to the city where I began actual training and continued to play despite many physical injuries.
After one year of complete dedication, I was selected to play at the National level. I played U19 for 2 years until I suffered serious injury and I was not able to play for a year. I was at home doing nothing other than watching cricket matches and scrolling through news feed until I came across - Jubilee Games 2016 - which was something I really wanted to do. The selection criterion was tough. But thankfully - I was selected as the youngest player in Team A for the Jubilee Games."
How did you end up in Uganda?
"I received a call from Aziz Damani sports club and was asked to play in their team. This opportunity led me to move to a country that is 5000 miles away from Pakistan. My family was reluctant to send me to Africa as they felt that it was a huge cultural change.
Moving to Africa was difficult and often, I thought of returning back to Pakistan. But - I couldn't give up so easily! So I decided to stay back and achieve what I came for. While I was playing for Aziz Damani club, I was given an opportunity to give trials for the Uganda National Cricket team. I was selected as part of the National team and I have travelled to Rwanda, Qatar and Malaysia to represent Uganda and had opportunity to play with renowned cricketers like Sam Billings."
Who has been there for you on your road to national hero?
"My parents have always supported me with my decisions. It is due to their encouragement and the opportunity given by Aziz Damani that I was able to achieve this success."
Riazat Ali Shah's message for the youth
"For Jamati youth that feel passionate about any exceptional career, I would like to encourage them to believe in themselves and stay focused on their goals."
