You would think adjusting from a sub-continent country with hot weather and dusty pitches to a South Pacific country would be difficult, however Pakistani cricketer Yasir Arafat is relishing the chance to show his stuff for the Otago Volts in the HRV Cup.
He’s made the move to the southern team in hopes of gaining a spot at the Champion’s League and ultimately an IPL contract.
Arafat has already fallen in love with the Kiwi way of life and he’s thoroughly enjoying Dunedin – and doesn’t mind the colder weather. “It’s very nice here. it’s a lovely country and the people are nice here,” he said. “It’s quite different here, but I’ve played in England so I’m used to the cold.”
Not only has the all-rounder represented Pakistan, he has also played for other overseas teams including Scotland, Kent and Sussex. “It’s awesome playing over in Pakistan, but it’s also good playing here as well.”
While he was playing in the Champion’s League for Sussex, he was approached by a Volts selector and asked if he’d like to play for the southern team. Of course he jumped at the chance to extend his knowledge of the game and his skills in another cricketing environment. He also wants an opportunity to play in the 2010 IPL. He was selected to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2009 IPL, but because of political unrest between Pakistan and India he was unable to participate. “Unfortunately because of security issues I wasn’t able to play there, but I’m sure I’ll be good enough to get into a team this time.”
Arafat travelled with the Pakistan team when they were in New Zealand in early December and will remain in the country playing for the Volts until late February. He’s hoping the Kiwi crowds will come out and support him and the Volts in their bid to win two Twenty20 titles in a row. “Come to the game, enjoy the atmosphere and support the Volts!”
Yasir Arafat Fact File
- Arafat describes himself as “hard working, shy and lovely”
- His favourite thing to cook is lamb or chicken curry
- He is originally from Rawalpindi
- He is a right hand bat and right arm medium bowler
- He made his test debut for Pakistan against India in Bangalore in 2007
