In the world of cricket, where talent is abundant but opportunities are scarce, Subhan Javaid stands as a testament to perseverance, grit, and self-belief. Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, his journey has been defined by hard work, sacrifice, passion and an unyielding commitment to his dreams. Having lived in England for the past several years, he has faced and overcome immense challenges in pursuit of a professional cricketing career. Currently studying Sports, Coaching, and Physical Education at Oxford Brookes University, UK, he is balancing academics with his ultimate goal—earning a place in the Pakistan Cricket Team.
The Early Days – Childhood Fueled by Cricket Passion
Subhan’s journey of cricket began at the tender age of 9. Inspired by the 2009 T20 World Cup victory, he would spend hours visualizing bowlers charging towards him, perfecting his strokes with a tape ball. The love and passion for the game ran in his blood—his father, a passionate cricketer himself, played a pivotal role in igniting this fire.
But passion alone wasn’t enough. The road ahead was steep, especially when his family initially didn’t support his dream. It was a battle between expectations and ambitions. Skipping classes, sneaking out for practice, waking up at 6 AM for training—Subhan was willing to risk it all. And when he finally voiced his desire to pursue cricket seriously, the response was disheartening. “You’re not good enough to play cricket.” The words stung, but instead of breaking him, they became the fuel that propelled him forward
Adapting to a New Academic and Challenges
At the age of 15, Subhan made a critical decision to move to the United Kingdom to pursue both his academic and cricketing ambitions. This transition came with significant challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and the struggle to adapt to a highly competitive environment. Moving to the UK was a life-changing move. Initially, he carried a typical Pakistani mindset—believing that performing well in a few matches would automatically open doors to professional cricket. However, reality hit hard. The UK cricket system was built differently—it emphasized structured training, mental strength, and long-term development rather than short-term recognition.
Unlike Pakistan, where players often sought validation and visibility, cricket in the UK focused on silent hard work. There was no room for shortcuts or overnight success. Subhan quickly realized that raw talent wasn’t enough; he had to put in consistent effort, refine his technique, and develop a strong mindset. Instead of getting discouraged, he embraced the challenge, working tirelessly to improve his skills.
The Struggles of Balancing Cricket and Education
Studying at Oxford Brookes University has been a critical part of Subhan’s journey. While his degree in Sports, Coaching, and Physical Education provides valuable insight into athletic performance and training, balancing academics with a demanding cricketing schedule hasn’t been easy. As the Sports Officer at Oxford during his time there, he took on additional responsibilities, further challenging his ability to juggle commitments. The past four years have tested him in ways he never imagined—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The biggest setback in the last ten months has been his persistent groin injury. Despite the pain and frustration, he continues to push forward, refusing to let adversity dictate his future. The injury has cost him crucial playing time and moments of self-doubt, but he firmly believes in divine timing.
“I trust Allah’s plan. Hard work never goes to waste,” he says, determined to overcome this phase.
Cricket in Pakistan vs. the UK – A Stark Contrast
Having experienced both cricketing systems firsthand, Subhan has gained a deep understanding of why Pakistani cricket struggles to compete at the highest level. The contrast between the two countries is evident in their approach to player development, mindset, and overall structure.
In the UK, cricket is built on a foundation of systematic education and training. Players are groomed from a young age, receiving structured coaching that not only enhances their technical skills but also prepares them mentally and physically for the demands of professional cricket. The emphasis is not just on raw talent but on discipline, consistency, and a deep understanding of the game. Mental resilience is considered just as crucial as physical ability, as players are trained to handle pressure, setbacks, and the psychological aspects of competition.
Moreover, in the UK, cricket culture prioritizes performance over recognition, with players working quietly, trusting that results will speak for themselves. There’s no obsession with media attention—success is purely based on consistency and team contribution. In contrast, Pakistan’s system lacks structured development. While passion and hard work are evident, they often lack direction. Players seek validation over steady progress, and the system tends to reward short-term brilliance, passion rather than long-term consistency.
Subhan summarizes this difference in a simple yet powerful observation: “In Pakistan, people want to be seen as hardworking. In the UK, they just work hard.”
The Mental Game – More Than Just a Sport
For Subhan, cricket has always been like more than just a sport – a passion—it has been his refuge. As a young boy, he faced one of the most distressing moments of his life when his father suffered a heart attack. Too young to fully grasp the gravity of the situation, he turned to cricket as a distraction, a way to process emotions he couldn’t yet put into words. While his family dealt with the crisis, the game became his escape, offering him a sense of stability in an otherwise uncertain time.
Subhan’s journey has not only shaped his physical abilities but has also transformed the way he perceives people and their opinions. The sport has shaped his character, instilling patience, discipline, and humility. The individuals who once mocked his fitness now turn to him for advice on training. Those who doubted his skills in the past now acknowledge his progress and dedication. Despite these shifts in perception, Subhan holds no grudges. He understands that success naturally changes how people see you. However, his focus has never been on proving others wrong; instead, he is committed to proving himself right. His approach to the game has evolved beyond the need for external validation.
As he puts it, “I don’t play for validation anymore. I play because I love the game.”
The Ultimate Goal – Pakistan Cricket Team & the Mental Battle
He aspires to present Pakistan and reshape the country’s approach to cricket training and mental conditioning. He wants young players to understand that success demands sacrifice, failure, and relentless effort. “If you want to play cricket professionally, be ready to suffer. But if you survive the suffering, the game will reward you in ways you never imagined,” he says.
For Subhan, cricket is as much a mental battle as a physical one. Every delivery tests the body, but the real challenge is overcoming setbacks and self-doubt. “Cricket will break you nine times out of ten, but that one moment of success makes it all worth it,” he states. He believes mental toughness is what sets great players apart, and he is determined to prove that perseverance always wins.
Beyond Cricket Passion – The Man Behind the Athlete
A glimpse into Subhan’s personality reveals his inspirations and mindset beyond the field:
- Football Icon? Ronaldo—his dedication, work ethic, and love for family resonate deeply.
- If Not Cricket, Then? Tennis—another sport that demands mental and physical resilience.
- Bowler He’d Love to Face? Dale Steyn—one of the fiercest fast bowlers in cricket history.
- Dream XI? A mix of legends like Virat Kohli, Mohammad Rizwan, Kumar Sangakkara, Imran Khan, Dale Steyn, Markaram, Brett lee, Ab Devilliers, Saeed Ajmal, Yuvraj singh, and himself; Subhan Javaid.
- Three Words That Define His Cricketing Style? Passionate, Ruthless, and Faint less.
Final Words – A Message for Aspiring Cricketers
To every young player in Pakistan struggling with lack of support, rejection, or self-doubt, Subhan has one piece of advice—keep going. Talent can get you noticed, but hard work and discipline will get you selected. Cricket, like life, is unpredictable. You will have setbacks, injuries, and moments of doubt, but what truly matters is how you respond to them.
His journey is a testament to resilience and passion. From the streets of Rawalpindi to the professional cricket circuits of the UK, he’s rewriting his story—one ball, one over, one match at a time. And as he continues to chase his dreams, one thing is certain—Jay isn’t just playing cricket. He’s living it.
By Fizza Raza | Intern, Press Network of Pakistan
