KEY POINTS
- Eight-year-old Aena Wazir goes viral for her fast bowling, drawing comparisons to Dale Steyn.
- Despite limited facilities, she dreams of representing Pakistan.
- Peshawar Zalmi Chairman announced she will be included in upcoming Zalmi Women’s League.
- Aena will receive full cricket equipment and quality facilities to develop her talent.
ISLAMABAD: In the remote Shawal Tehsil of North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, an eight-year-old girl has captured the nation’s attention with her extraordinary fast bowling skills that closely resemble South African legend Dale Steyn’s iconic action.
Aena Wazir, a second-grade student, has become a social media sensation after videos showcasing her natural pace, rhythm, and composure went viral.
Her smooth run-up and sharp release have left cricket enthusiasts marvelling at her raw talent.
یہ ہے آئینہ وزیر — جو لڑکوں کے ساتھ کرکٹ کھیلتی ہے، بہترین باؤلنگ کرتی ہے اور بیٹنگ بھی زبردست ہے۔ پاکستان میں ٹیلنٹ کی کوئی کمی نہیں۔ @TheRealPCB آئینہ وزیر کو مستقبل میں ویمن کرکٹ میں شامل کرے تو پاکستان کو ایک بہترین کھلاڑی مل سکتی ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/mVQmcParjX
— Mehwish Qamas Khan (@MehwishQamas) February 18, 2026
Against all odds
Hailing from a region with limited access to proper training facilities and playgrounds, Aena continues to pursue her passion for cricket with unwavering determination.
Her performances in local street matches against boys from her neighbourhood have showcased not only her bowling prowess but also her fearless attitude.
Dreams and aspirations
Aena dreams of representing the Pakistan women’s cricket team and making her region proud.
Inspired by stars like Babar Azam and Naseem Shah, she pushes herself harder in the sport despite being acutely aware of the challenges children in her area face.
A plea for support
The young cricketer has urged authorities to ensure the provision of education and sports facilities in North Waziristan.
She believes such measures can help talented children from her region represent Pakistan on the global stage.
Local teachers and community members echo her sentiments, emphasizing that promoting sports at the school level would provide constructive pathways for youth.
Nationwide recognition
Social media users have hailed Aena as a rising star and symbol of hidden talent in Pakistan’s tribal regions.
A local elder summed up the sentiment: “She is our daughter. She has brought pride to Waziristan. The government should support such talented girls.”
Experts believe that with improved sports infrastructure, Waziristan could become a nursery of talent, producing players who can raise Pakistan’s flag internationally.
Aena’s story stands as proof that, given the right opportunities, children from the region can overcome all odds to achieve their dreams.
Peshawar Zalmi Chairman Javed Afridi has announced that rising cricket sensation Ayna Wazir will be included in the forthcoming Zalmi Women’s League, following her remarkable rise to fame through social media.
MashAllah, what an outstanding young talent Aina Wazir is!
Talent like this deserves a right platform.
This is why I am pleased to share that she will be part of our upcoming Zalmi Women League @ZWLofficial. A platform we’ve created for our girls to play, inspire and express…— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) February 18, 2026
Talking to X, Peshawar Zalmi franchise owner, heaped praise on the young cricketer’s extraordinary talent, emphasizing the importance of providing the right platform to emerging players.
“Ayna Wazir possesses exceptional talent, and it is essential to provide such abilities with the right platform,” Afridi stated in his social media post.
“The Zalmi Women’s League has been established precisely for this purpose, to give girls the opportunity to play, express their talent, and become role models for others.”
Full support and quality facilities promised
Afridi assured that Ayna Wazir would be provided with complete cricket equipment and quality facilities to further hone her skills, expressing hope that she could follow in the footsteps of prominent cricketers like Saira Jabeen.
The Zalmi chairman also appealed to relevant individuals to share Aena Wazir’s contact details so that his team could reach out to her immediately.
Viral videos capture nation’s attention
The announcement comes amid a flurry of social media activity surrounding the young cricketer.
Videos circulating widely on various platforms show Aena Wazir playing cricket with boys, demonstrating exceptional skill and technique that have captured the imagination of cricket fans across the country.
Social media users have not only been praising her performances but are also demanding that the Pakistan Cricket Board consider her for the national women’s cricket team.
Story of Resilience
Aena Wazir hails from Khyber District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is the daughter of a martyr.
Her background adds another layer of inspiration to her story, as she has emerged from challenging circumstances to showcase her cricketing abilities.
The Zalmi Women’s League initiative represents a significant step toward grassroots development of women’s cricket in Pakistan, providing structured opportunities for talented players who might otherwise go unnoticed.
Afridi’s swift response to the viral sensation demonstrates the franchise’s commitment to identifying and nurturing talent from across the country, particularly from less-represented regions.
