A Father-Son Cricket Legacy Spanning Generations and Borders
Cricket runs deep in Muhammad Abbas’ veins. His journey from Lahore to New Zealand, under the watchful eyes of his father, Azhar Abbas, is a testament to talent, perseverance, and destiny. As the 21-year-old prepares for his international debut against Pakistan, the country of his birth, emotions run high in the Abbas household.
A Childhood Shaped by Cricket
From the tender age of three, Abbas showed an affinity for the sport that defined his father’s career. Azhar Abbas, a former domestic cricketer in Pakistan, later played in New Zealand before transitioning into coaching. The family settled in Auckland, where cricket became an inseparable part of their daily routine.
“Everywhere we had space, we played cricket—underarm, catching drills, anything,” recalls Abbas Snr.
This relentless passion paved the way for Abbas’ rise in the domestic circuit. His impressive form in the Ford Trophy, New Zealand’s premier one-day competition, including innings of 104 and 50, caught the attention of national selectors. A phone call from New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed his selection for the ODI squad, marking a milestone moment in his career.
An Emotional Call-Up
The call from Stead left Abbas overwhelmed with emotion. His father shared in the joy and surprise of the moment.
“He got emotional, which I understand,” says Azhar Abbas. “There are so many talented players in New Zealand. It was unexpected, but we always knew he had something special.”
Abbas’ all-round skills make him a valuable asset. Though his batting takes precedence, his ability to bowl left-arm seam adds depth to New Zealand’s squad. Stead himself acknowledged Abbas as a “real talent, especially against spin.”
Early Signs of Greatness
Abbas’ cricketing prowess was evident from a young age. In his early teens, he juggled both batting and bowling responsibilities, frequently opening the attack for his school and district teams.
“When he was 13, he scored seven centuries in a district competition. That’s when I knew he had the potential to be an all-rounder,” recalls his father.
Interestingly, cricket wasn’t always his sole focus. Up until his mid-teens, Abbas balanced his love for football with cricket. However, his inclusion in New Zealand Cricket’s (NZC) talent pathway program at 16 cemented his future in the sport.
A Well-Supported Rise to the Top
Abbas’ cricketing development is a product of not just talent and hard work but also New Zealand Cricket’s structured support system. His domestic contract with Cricket Wellington further solidified his path. His father, ever the guiding force, moved with him to Wellington and took up an assistant coaching role.
“The way NZC nurtures young players is phenomenal. They invest in skills, education, and overall well-being. It’s a 360-degree development program,” says Azhar Abbas.
New Zealand’s cricketing culture fosters excellence without stifling joy, a balance that has played a crucial role in Abbas’ journey. There were no guarantees, no forced commitments—just a shared belief in his potential.
The Road Ahead
As Abbas embarks on his international career, his father remains confident in his son’s potential to evolve into a top-tier all-rounder.
“It’s a tough role, balancing batting and bowling. Right now, he’s a batting all-rounder, but I believe he can become a formidable bowler as well. Success in cricket depends on discipline, hard work, and consistency. If he sustains these qualities over time, he will keep rising.”
Though this new chapter may mean more time apart, Azhar Abbas embraces the sacrifices that come with watching his son chase his dream on the world stage. From backyard games in Auckland to international cricket, the Abbas story is far from over—it’s only just beginning.