Domestic SA to witness ‘doosra’ magic
Ajmal set to appear in the Proteas’ T20 tournament.
Along with Ajmal, the likes of star all-rounder Shahid Afridi and Sohail Tanvir have also been reported to appear in the competition. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s ace spinner Saeed Ajmal will light up the South African domestic T20 tournament after signing up with Titans for the upcoming season, a development that has come up as another indication of strengthening ties between South Africa and Pakistan.
At the time of the confirmation of Pakistan’s ongoing tour of South Africa, Pakistan Cricket Board acting chairman Najam Sethi had indicated that the country’s players will be taking part in South Africa’s domestic events.
Sethi has been keen on opening ways for Pakistani players to appear in foreign domestic tournaments.
Along with Ajmal, the likes of star all-rounder Shahid Afridi and Sohail Tanvir have also been reported to appear in the competition.
Pakistan’s current tour of South Africa was arranged at short notice after a curtailed India visit left Cape Town without a One-Day International all summer.
When Pakistan’s visit was announced, Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat indicated the relationship between the two countries would expand to give Pakistan’s players, who do not participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), an opportunity to play in the 20-over competition.
The doors of IPL have been shut on Pakistani players due to the tense situation between the countries, but now this opportunity has come as a new hope for the players to earn well.
If Afridi does sign up, he and Ajmal will be appearing for the first time in this competition whereas Tanvir is already at home in the event after playing two seasons with Lions.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2013.
Pakistan’s ace spinner Saeed Ajmal will light up the South African domestic T20 tournament after signing up with Titans for the upcoming season, a development that has come up as another indication of strengthening ties between South Africa and Pakistan.
At the time of the confirmation of Pakistan’s ongoing tour of South Africa, Pakistan Cricket Board acting chairman Najam Sethi had indicated that the country’s players will be taking part in South Africa’s domestic events.
Sethi has been keen on opening ways for Pakistani players to appear in foreign domestic tournaments.
Along with Ajmal, the likes of star all-rounder Shahid Afridi and Sohail Tanvir have also been reported to appear in the competition.
Pakistan’s current tour of South Africa was arranged at short notice after a curtailed India visit left Cape Town without a One-Day International all summer.
When Pakistan’s visit was announced, Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat indicated the relationship between the two countries would expand to give Pakistan’s players, who do not participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), an opportunity to play in the 20-over competition.
The doors of IPL have been shut on Pakistani players due to the tense situation between the countries, but now this opportunity has come as a new hope for the players to earn well.
If Afridi does sign up, he and Ajmal will be appearing for the first time in this competition whereas Tanvir is already at home in the event after playing two seasons with Lions.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2013.