Even though Ashfaq Shakir did not get a match in the first National Disabled Cricket Championship, he was happy to think that he has now found the right direction where he can fulfill his dream and play cricket here. Earlier, no cricketer had appeared on the Pakistan cricket scene from around Patoki Tehsil in Kasur District. Ashfaq Shakir thought he could make a name for himself in disabled cricket. Ashfaq Shakir, who started his cricket journey from his village, had also changed his lifestyle through PDCA. He was responsible for the welfare of the people for which he was always striving. It is worth mentioning here that he did not let his family members know that he had come to Karachi to play cricket, because he had to send money home regularly every month. Worked and paid for the days he spent in Karachi during the championship and sent home all the money. Living in Lahore, he continued his career as well as his cricketing journey. Now he was looking forward to another disabled cricket event where he was eager to show his talents.
A few months later, in 2008, the Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association organized a 40-over cricket championship in which Ashfaq Shakir was part of the Lahore team. This time he also got the match but he made a mistake that he gave an interview to a TV channel without informing his manager, as a result of which his team management immediately dropped him from the team. Decided to send Ashfaq Shakir’s luggage to the hotel counter. Ashfaq Shakir apologized to his head coach and manager several times, recommended to the captain after which he was released with a stern warning and it was also said that if such a mistake is made in future, Pakistan Disabled Cricket The doors will be closed forever. This shows how much importance PDCA attaches to discipline during its events. As punishment, Ashfaq Shakir was sent to the one-down position in the next match against Bahawalpur, thinking that playing a new ball would make him lose his mind. The wicket was too fast and the wicket had fallen in the first over. Ashfaq Shakir stood on the crease and played his natural game and scored a century. In this innings, he scored 101 off 72 balls, which is also the first century in disabled cricket. After this innings, he was applauded on all sides and everyone knew that Ashfaq Shakir is a batsman with extraordinary abilities.
Ashfaq Shakir has also played for Pakistan against Afghanistan Disabled Cricket Team and England. He is the first cricketer from Kasur District, Patoki Tehsil to represent Pakistan in an international match, followed by current national team all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. Certainly this was made possible by the efforts of the PDCA itself and Ashfaq Shakir openly admits this. “Despite the poverty, hardship and unfavorable conditions, if a disabled cricketer has played international cricket for Pakistan, it is thanks to the PDCA, by the grace of God, now my life,” he said. The style has changed and I also run my own sports shop. I got this awareness after joining PDCA. ” He played a memorable innings for Pakistan against England in Dubai when Pakistan had lost three wickets for four runs. On his return from England, he received a warm welcome. His men took him in a procession to villages 16km from Kasur. It was the first time any cricketer in the area had received such a warm welcome, and most of all, Ashfaq Shakir’s father was among those who greeted him.
The Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association (PDCA) is responsible for the promotion and expansion of the game through its associate and affiliate members throughout the country for all the Physically Disabled Cricketers of the country and PDCA is also recognized by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) who is the governing body of cricket in Pakistan.