Aliza targets cricket glory after football success

KARACHI: At just 19 years old, Aliza Sabir is already a familiar name in Pakistan’s sports community. A regular member of the national women’s football team, Aliza has achieved success on the football field, but her ambition doesn’t end there. Now, she’s aiming to make her mark in cricket as well, with the hopes of representing Pakistan in both sports.

Currently playing for the Strikers in the National Women’s One-Day Championship, Aliza has proven herself as a talented footballer. As a midfielder for the national football team, she’s already gained recognition for her skills and dedication. However, her sights are now set on becoming an all-rounder in cricket, a sport she has also excelled in at the youth level.

“I want to represent Pakistan in cricket, just like I do in football,” Aliza said in an interview with The News. “When I’m playing football, my focus is entirely on football. But right now, my attention is on cricket.”

Aliza’s involvement with cricket goes beyond her ambition to play for the national team. She was part of Pakistan’s Under-19 women’s cricket squad for the World Cup, gaining valuable experience. Now, as she competes in domestic cricket, she is working hard to transition from football to cricket, aiming for success in both.

“The challenge of scoring a century in cricket is much greater than scoring a goal in football,” Aliza explained. “Cricket requires more patience and focus, especially when trying to build an innings.”

Despite the demands of excelling in two different sports, Aliza remains confident in her ability to balance both. “If you’re a good athlete, it’s not difficult to manage both sports,” she said, showing her belief that with hard work, she could succeed in both football and cricket.

Aliza’s journey in sports has been influenced by her father, who was also a multi-sport athlete. “My father played different sports, and I was inspired by how he managed to balance them. I want to do the same,” she said.

For Aliza, representing Pakistan in both football and cricket is not just about personal achievement but about fulfilling a family dream. “My family has always hoped that I could represent Pakistan in both sports, and that’s what I want to do,” she said with determination.