ISLAMABAD – *Right arm fast bowler Mahinder Pal Singh made history fewyears back after he became the first Sikh cricketer in Pakistan to makeinto the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Singh is now preparing forfirst-class cricket and is aiming to play for the country.*

“I am the first Sikh cricketer from Pakistan to reach the National CricketAcademy [NCA] and get selected [for the emerging players],” said Singh,quoted *BBC**Urdu*

The right arm fast bowler, hailing from Khyber Agency, was selected amongthe emerging player in 2016.

“Being a Sikh I am the only player who is favored to practice at the NCA. Iam the only club payer or Grade II cricketer in history to practice at NCA.I can come to the Academy for training whenever I wish to and practiceunder the guidance of NCA coaches,” said Singh.

Singh further said that he dreams to represent Pakistan one day, afterplaying in the first class cricket. He is of the view that his minoritystatus would not hamper his chances.

“I believe that nobody will stop me in my progress for being a Sikh,” saidSingh, signifying the fact that the passion of cricket in Pakistan is notconfined to the majority Muslim populace.