IPL 2022: Shah Rukh Khan co-owns KKR.© BCCI/IPL
Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown into the largest T20 franchise competition in the world. Cricket stars from other countries have graced the IPL except Pakistan, which only participated in the tournament’s inaugural season. Pakistani players have been banned from playing in the league after the 26/11 terrorist attacks in November 2008. Former Pakistani all-rounder Yasir Arafat recently revealed that even he was expected to participate in IPL 2009 as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co owner Shah Rukh Khan personally offered him a contract to join his franchise. On the YouTube channel Cricket Den, Arafat said: “Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had shortlisted names for the first edition and unfortunately I was not there and unable to play”
“I played County Cricket for Kent in 2008 where KKR’s scouting team came especially from India and they met me during a match. They revealed that Shah Rukh Khan wants me to play for his side,” he revealed.
“At first I thought it was a joke why Shah Rukh would send someone to talk about the contract. They also gave me a card and took my contact details.”
“A few weeks later I received an email complaining that I had not contacted them and the discussion was postponed. They again offered me a three-year contract where Shah Rukh himself called and welcomed me.
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“Then the explosions happened in Mumbai and Pakistani players could never be part of the league again. It may be a matter of luck that I and other Pakistani players never played in the IPL again,” he added.
After making his international debut in 2000, Arafat represented Pakistan in three Test matches, registering 94 runs and taking nine wickets. He also played in 11 ODIs, scoring 74 points and resigning four times. Meanwhile, in 13 T20Is he scored 92 runs and took 16 wickets.
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