Irfan agrees $75,000 deal with Kolkata Knight Riders

Irfan will be taking part in the IPL after controversy about a snub for Pakistani players in its last edition. PHOTO: afp

LAHORE: Left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has agreed to sign a $75,000 deal with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the Indian Premier League(IPL) 2011.

Irfan, who is nearly seven-feet tall, took part in IPL team’s trials last month in Sri Lanka, and managed to inspire the selectors with his nine-wicket haul in three games.

“I’m very happy to have such a huge opportunity to make my country’s name proud,” Irfan told The Express Tribune. “But my priority will always be to represent my country at the highest level. And playing in the IPL is without doubt a great opportunity to do something big on the international stage.”

The lanky bowler, who was touring Sri Lanka with the Pakistan ‘A’ squad,  has been called up in the seniors squad for the One-Day International series against England. He was named as one of the two replacements for the suspended fast-bowling duo of Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.

“I have told the Pakistan Cricket Board about my deal and I have requested for a NOC as well.  Things were delayed because I was busy with the ‘A’ team tour and I’m now going England to join the Pakistan squad. Otherwise I have finalised all the formalities with KKR for the deal and I will be playing 20 or more matches in the fourth edition of the IPL.”

Irfan’s signing with the IPL comes after eleven Pakistani players were snubbed for the event despite being put up for auction in the last season of the tournament. “I don’t know about the past but I am following a proper procedure to secure the deal,” said Irfan,who has played 10 first-class matches in Pakistan for Khan Research Laboratories while bagging 43 wickets at an average of 28.76.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 8^th, 2010.