Pakistan is striving to revive their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024, having yet to register a win in the tournament. With their next crucial encounter against Canada set for Tuesday, June 11, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, the Men in Green are aiming for a victory to stay in contention.
Interestingly, this clash brings a unique dynamic as several Pakistan-born cricketers now proudly represent Canada. Three such players are part of Canada’s team in the ongoing T20 World Cup: Saad Bin Zafar, Kaleem Sana, and Junaid Siddiqui. These players, who once called Pakistan home, will now be facing their birth nation in a match that promises to be charged with emotions and competitive spirit.
**Saad Bin Zafar: A Leader Born in Pakistan**
Leading the Canadian side is Saad Bin Zafar, a native of Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan. Born in November 1986, Saad has had an illustrious cricketing journey that began when he moved to Canada. He made his first-class debut for Canada in 2008 and later earned his international debut on July 4 of the same year against Bermuda.
Saad’s prominence in the cricketing world grew when he was included in Canada’s squad for the 2010 Quadrangular Twenty20 Series in Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in his career. He made his T20 debut in the same year against the UAE and subsequently his T20I debut in 2019. Notably, Saad is the first captain to lead Canada in a T20 World Cup, a testament to his capabilities both as a player and a leader. An all-rounder, Saad is known for his left-arm finger spin, contributing both with the bat and ball to the team’s efforts.
**Kaleem Sana: From Rawalpindi to International Stardom**
Kaleem Sana, another Pakistan-born talent, hails from Rawalpindi and was born in January 1994. Unlike Saad, Kaleem’s early cricketing exploits were in Pakistan. He made his first-class debut for Pakistan Customs in the 2008-09 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and later played List A cricket for the Rawalpindi Rams in the 2011-12 National One Day Championship.
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His journey took a significant turn in 2021 when he was named to Canada’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier. Kaleem made his international debut for Canada in 2022, and since then, he has played 24 matches across ODIs and T20Is. Renowned for his left-arm fast bowling, Kaleem brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Canadian bowling attack.
**Junaid Siddiqui: From Karachi to Canadian Cricket**
Adding to the trio is Junaid Siddiqui, born in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, in March 1985. Junaid’s cricketing roots in Pakistan transitioned during his education in Mississauga, Canada, where he played in various youth teams, including U14, U16, and U19 squads.
Junaid made his international debut for Canada in an ODI match against Afghanistan in 2011. His T20I debut followed in 2012, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the sport. Junaid is an all-rounder known for his leg-spin bowling, significantly bolstering Canada’s lineup with his dual capabilities.
**Unique Match-Up and Shared Heritage**
The upcoming match between Pakistan and Canada will not just be a regular T20 World Cup clash but a meeting of shared histories and emotional narratives. For Saad Bin Zafar, Kaleem Sana, and Junaid Siddiqui, playing against Pakistan isn’t just about professional competition but also about facing the country that nurtured their early cricketing dreams.
Representing Canada, these players epitomize the journey of immigrant athletes who have made significant contributions to their adopted nation’s sports landscape. Their participation highlights the global nature of cricket and how talent transitions across borders, enriching the game worldwide.
**Conclusion: Spectacle of Cricket and Culture**
As Pakistan faces Canada in a must-win scenario, the spotlight undoubtedly falls on the Pakistan-born players in the Canadian team. This match is not just about points and qualification but also about celebrating the diverse paths of cricketers who have traversed miles to reach the international stage. The clash at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium promises to be a thrilling encounter, underpinned by stories of heritage, identity, and the relentless pursuit of cricketing excellence.
