Cricket Scotland interviewed Class of 2023 former pupils Maryam and Ibrahim Faisal to talk about their successes in the cricketing world and how their love for the sport blossomed from their own grandfather’s, Naushad Ali’s, achievements.

Naushad was a member of the Pakistan Cricket Team in the 1960s, representing his country at six test matches – a tremendous accolade. Following in his footsteps, Maryam was called up to represent Scotland earlier this year, whilst her brother Ibrahim is part of the Scotland Men’s Under 19s, who will shortly be departing for the U19 World Cup in South Africa in January. 

After watching their grandfather manage the Pakistan Team during the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series in Dubai in 2011, the twin siblings’ interest in the sport was ignited. Ibrahim joined Clydesdale Cricket Club, with Maryam quickly following suit.    

In his Sixth Year, Ibrahim became the 1st XI Cricket Captain and was awarded the Lord Macfarlane Trophy at last session’s Prizegiving in recognition of his role. Additionally, the team was deemed the Forty Club (Scotland) School of the Year 2023, with Ibrahim being presented with the award at the Annual Dinner at Lords on Friday 17th November 2023.

Commenting, Ibrahim said: “We can now see how hard you have to work to play professional cricket. I think everything we do, we’re doing it to continue his (Naushad’s) legacy… and that’s quite motivating.” 

Maryam recalls the moment she shared the exciting news that she had been called up to represent Scotland with her grandfather, who sadly passed away in August 2023: “I was incredibly lucky to be able to tell him that I got my call-up for Scotland this year before he passed away. He was really proud and happy about it… I wish he was there to see it, but it was nice to know that he knew about it.” 

At the start of 2023, Maryam was part of the first ever women’s Scottish Under 19 World Cup cricket team. To find out more about her experience click here.

A true cricketing family, we look forward to seeing how Maryam and Ibrahim continue to flourish within the sport and wish them the very best for future successes. 

You can watch the full interview on Cricket Scotland’s YouTube channel below.