‘Tamim bhai called me and I was ready’
"Bhalobashi", Pakistan's speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi said in broken Bengali, smiling as he faced the reporters in front of the media centre. Maintaining a cheerful demeanor, the Shaheen skillfully dodged questions about the ongoing controversies in Pakistan cricket. Instead, he revealed that a phone call from Tamim Iqbal convinced him to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and that he is committed to delivering for Fortune Barishal in his maiden season at the BPL.
A few days ago, Tamim had personally called Shaheen and offered him to play for Barishal in the BPL and the pacer eagerly accepted the offer.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Shaheen is not part of the Pakistan team which is currently playing a Test series in South Africa. While the official reason for his absence is rest, reports from Pakistani media suggest he has been dropped due to disciplinary issues. When asked about this, he naturally refused to comment, however, he clarified that he is fit and ready to play.
On Saturday morning, Shaheen was seen practising with Barishal at the Mirpur Academy ground and was bowling at full steam alongside Ebadot Hossain.
Later speaking to the media, he expressed his excitement about playing in the BPL, saying, "I am thrilled to be playing in the Bangladesh league. When Tamim bhai called me to play for this team, I was excited from the start. For now, I'm looking forward. I know that the people of Bangladesh love cricket and they love their superstars."
When Tamim bhai called me to play for this team, I was excited from the start.
When asked to pinpoint a specific reason for coming to play in the BPL, Shaheen said, "For me, it was Tamim Iqbal's phone call.
"Whenever Tamim bhai calls me, I'm ready. Last year, I was busy with the international schedule. I couldn't play for the past 2-3 years. Now I have time. I hope I can play good cricket here."
Shaheen is undoubtedly one of the biggest foreign draws in this year's BPL, which is set to commence on Monday. However, Shaheen showed his humble side when asked about it, saying he did not want the focus to be on him.
"To be honest, I'm not a star. Many more Bangladeshi players are playing. Tamim is playing. Everyone from the national team is playing. For me and for you, our own cricketers should be the stars. I'm just a cricketer and I will try to perform for the team. I will try to help the team win matches."
Comments