Ashfaq Ahmed developed a deep love for cricket during his childhood.
By Ijaz Ahmad Khan
RESHAWAR: Hailing from Peshawar, Ashfaq Ahmed is not just a talented cricketer and coach but also a silent torchbearer for the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. From his early days on the cricket field to his current role as a coach, he has rendered invaluable services in grooming young players across the province. His unwavering commitment to cricket and continuous hard work in coaching have made him a prominent figure in Peshawar’s cricket coaching landscape.
Born on July 17, 1981, in Peshawar, Ashfaq Ahmed developed a deep love for cricket during his childhood. Alongside his academic journey—completing matriculation in 1997 and intermediate in 2000—he actively pursued cricket, representing his district and region at the Under-16, Under-17, and Under-19 levels.
Although he was selected for a first-class training camp, personal reasons prevented him from joining the team. Nevertheless, he made his mark in Grade II cricket, participating in the Inter-District Grade II matches of the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy between 2004 and 2006. His passion and talent also took him to platforms such as the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy in Lahore, the KRL Ground, and FC Department trials.
Ashfaq’s transition from player to coach came naturally. He successfully completed the PCB Level 1 (2017-18) and Level 2 (2020-21) coaching courses. Over the years, he has served at several coaching institutions including the academy at Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, Muazullah Khan Cricket Academy City, Cantt, and Peshawar Model School and College. He worked for two years as a cricket coach and physical training instructor at Peshawar Model School (Boys Branch), later continuing his services at Peshawar Model Degree College. He has also coached Peshawar Youth Cricket Club and served as Under-19 coach for the Abbottabad District Cricket Association.
Currently, Ashfaq Ahmed is training young cricketers at the renowned Cricket Academy within Hayatabad Sports Complex, Peshawar. According to him, discipline, hard work, and self-confidence are the cornerstones of a successful sports career.
Ashfaq Ahmed expresses his strong desire to see players from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rise to represent Pakistan on national and international platforms. He remains fully committed to nurturing such talent with dedication and purpose.
Fluent in Urdu, Pashto, and English, Ashfaq Ahmed stands out not only as a cricketer and coach but also as a mentor and guide for the younger generation. His journey teaches us that true victory in sports is not just about performance on the field—but also about character off the field.
