Image Courtesy- Cricketcountry.com
Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has revealed that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan offered him a contract for IPL in 2008. He said “KKR was set to offer a 3-year contract deal in 2008.” unfortunately, the Former Pakistan all-rounder could not make his IPL debut because the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) banned Pakistani players from the league after the 2008 Mumbai blast.
Speaking to Sports Yaari, Yasir Arafat spoke about his T20 career. While the Former Pakistan all-rounder played in leagues all around the world, but never got an opportunity to play in the IPL even after signing with KKR for the second season.
In his interview, Yasir Arafat said that KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan sent a talent scout for him to England to observe his performance, he quoted:
“I missed the first edition of IPL. Before the second edition, Kolkata Knight Riders sent a special scout for me to England. He was advised to observe my performances. That scout met me and told me that Shah Rukh Khan had been closely following my stats. I did not believe the scout and thought someone was pulling a prank on me. He gave me his card, but I never responded.”
He added- “Then, I got a call from India and they asked why I did not reach out. After realizing it was not a prank, I learned that KKR was set to offer a 3-year contract to me. Shah Rukh Khan called me the next day and said ‘Welcome on board, I want you to play for my team.’ So, he came to London and offered me the contract.”
Speaking in the same interview, he praised the Indian cricketer’s humility. Yasir Arafat spoke about his friend Sourav Ganguly. He revealed that Ganguly was one of the few cricketers who attended his wedding.
Yasir Arafat said: “Sourav Ganguly is also very humble. I don’t think many fans would know it, but he even attended my wedding. I had invited many cricketers, but not everyone came. I had requested Sourav and he came. I think he was a little busy that time. Still, he attended my wedding ceremony,”
Image courtesy- Sportskeeda
Yasir Arafat has now retired from all formats of cricket. He has been seen in coaching.