Young Pakistan fast bowler Arshad Iqbal has announced his return from injury in style in the ongoing President’s One-Day Cup Grade-I, producing a match-winning spell in the semi-final between Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL).
The right-arm pacer tore through the opposition with figures of 5/43, turning a tense chase into a collapse and carrying his team into the final.
It was the highlight of a strong tournament in which he has already delivered:
His performances have put him among the leading wicket-takers in the competition with 15 wickets in 7 games.
The impact is even more impressive given his recent struggles.
Arshad’s rehabilitation journey was anything but straightforward. After sustaining injuries, he initially underwent treatment and rehab under the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical setup and the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He was eventually declared fit, but the reality on the field told a different story.
When he attempted to return, Arshad still didn’t feel fully recovered and suffered fresh setbacks, picking up more injuries after being cleared. Frustrated and concerned for his career, he took the bold step of going abroad to manage his recovery on his own terms, travelling to the UK for a more thorough rehabilitation program.
Only after completing that process and regaining full confidence in his body did he come back to Pakistan and resume competitive cricket.
The President’s Cup Grade-I (One-Day) 2025–26 now heads into its final, where Arshad Iqbal’s KRL will take on Pakistan Television (PTV), featuring the talented Shamyl Hussain, on December 25.