 Ismail made his first-class debut at the age of 18, playing for Pakistan Railways in the 1995–96 Patron's Trophy.On his limited-overs debut, which came in the Wills Cup later in the season, he made 89 not out against Lahore City.Ismail subsequently switched to play for Lahore City for the 1996–97 season, but in two seasons with the team made only four appearances, all of which came in the Wills Cup.