Maaz Sadaqat, a 20-year-old Peshawar-born cricketer, propelled Pakistan A to a remarkable victory over India A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in Pakistani cricket. His match-winning performance was not without its share of drama, as he benefited from two contentious decisions that ultimately played a significant role in the game's outcome.
Sadaqat's journey to this pivotal moment began in the cricket-rich environment of Peshawar, where he honed his skills in local academies. A left-handed batsman and occasional slow left-arm orthodox spinner, Sadaqat has steadily climbed the ranks, representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in domestic cricket and the Pakistan national under-19 team. He made his first-class debut for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in October 2022. He has also played in various leagues, including the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he debuted for Peshawar Zalmi.
In the recent Asia Cup Rising Stars match against India A, Sadaqat showcased his all-round abilities. After restricting India A to 136 with his bowling performance of 2 wickets for 12 runs, Sadaqat spearheaded Pakistan A's chase with an unbeaten 79 off 47 balls. However, his innings was marked by controversy. While attempting a big hit, Sadaqat appeared to be caught in a relay effort near the boundary, but the third umpire ruled it not out, a decision that sparked outrage among Indian players and fans. Later in his innings, he was dropped at point.
Despite the on-field drama and resulting controversies, Sadaqat capitalized on these lifelines, steering Pakistan A to an eight-wicket victory and securing their place in the semi-finals of the tournament. His innings included audacious sixes and a display of aggressive hitting that dismantled the Indian bowling attack. This performance follows Sadaqat's impressive unbeaten 96 off 54 balls against Oman in their previous match, further cementing his status as a player to watch in the tournament.
Beyond this recent performance, Sadaqat has demonstrated his potential in various formats of the game. In May 2025, he made his PSL debut for Peshawar Zalmi, scoring 55 runs off 33 balls. He was also part of the Pakistan squad that won the Hong Kong Sixes 2025. His left-arm spin bowling adds another dimension to his game, making him a valuable asset in multiple facets of the sport.
Maaz Sadaqat's recent performance against India A, albeit with the aid of controversial calls, underscores his potential as a dynamic all-rounder. As he continues to gain experience and hone his skills, he is certainly a player to watch for the future of Pakistan cricket.
