A Former Pakistani Cricketer Said SRK Wanted Him To Play In IPL

Pakistani cricketer, Yasir Arafat’s revelation that he was offered an opportunity to play for Kolkata Night Riders (KKR) by its co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has surprised many because Pakistan was banned from participating in IPL matches post the 26/11 terror attacks in November 2008.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Yasir Arafat said he was offered a contract to play for KKR
• He made this revelation on YouTube
• His name wasn’t shortlisted for playing in IPL

When Did SRK Contact Yasir Arafat?

Speaking on the YouTube channel Cricket Den, Yasir Arafat said that he was playing County Cricket for Kent in 2008 when he was approached by KKR officials with a message from SRK. The officials met him and conveyed SRK’s message that the star wanted him to play for KKR in IPL 2009. They handed him a card and took his contact details.

Initially, he thought that it was a joke as to why SRK would send somebody to talk to him. But soon he received an email where the KKR official complained about him not contacting them and the talks were closed. But he was again approached by KKR with a 3-year contract and at that time SRK himself called and welcomed him.

Did Yasir Arafat Decline The Offer?

Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the biggest T20 franchise competition in the world since its beginning. And there is hardly any player who hadn’t dreamt of playing in IPL matches. Pakistan was also invited to send their cricketers and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had even shortlisted names of players when the 2008 terror attack happened and India banned Pakistan from IPL.

The Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat said that his name wasn’t on the PCB list but he and other players wanted to play in IPL. Then the Mumbai blasts happened and Pakistani players were barred from IPL. He said it was all due to luck that he couldn’t play in IPL.

Yasir Arafat’s Cricket Record

He started playing international cricket in 2000 and has played 3 test matches for Pakistan. His test score is 94 runs and 9 wickets. In ODIs, he played 11 matches, scored 74 runs, and took 4 wickets. In T20Is, he scored 92 runs and took 16 wickets.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3KjQcLs