In an interview with PakPassion.net ; Rawalpindi coach Sabih Azhar stated that "whilst Sadaf has a lot to learn, he has high hopes for him especially if he continues to work hard and improve on his game"

by Saj Sadiq

14 January 2011

Eppleton cricket club who are based in the North East of England have had the pleasure of employing former West Indian batsman and captain Jimmy Adams as an overseas professional and also amongst their former ranks was Zimbabwean all rounder Elton Chigumbura. A cricket club that is at the heart of the local community, Eppleton cricket club epitomises the passion that cricket clubs all around the United Kingdom display once the first signs of spring are evident.

With preparation for the 2011 season already under way, Eppleton's players and fans are certainly looking forward to the upcoming season, especially having secured the services of young Rawalpindi pace bowler Sadaf Hussain.

21 year old Sadaf has been one of the leading lights in terms of bowlers during the Quaid E Azam Trophy and his 64 wickets were taken at only just over 16 apiece, remarkable statistics considering it was his first full first class season.

In an interview with PakPassion.net ; Rawalpindi coach Sabih Azhar stated that "whilst Sadaf has a lot to learn, he has high hopes for him especially if he continues to work hard and improve on his game. He's raw and still needs a couple of seasons in first class cricket to harnass his talent, but I think he has a lot of potential. Playing club cricket in England is a great chance for Sadaf to further improve and learn."

Club cricket in the United Kingdom has over the years proved to be a fantastic opportunity for young Pakistani cricketers like Sadaf, with Wasim Akram, Ijaz Ahmed, Aamir Sohail just being a few of the big names from Pakistan who have come to the UK in the early stages of their career, with a view to improving their cricket and adjusting to the conditions that are of course entirely different to what they come across in Pakistan.

Cricket agent Danny Arshad who represents amongst others, Misbah ul Haq, Abdur Rehman, Mohammad Hafeez and has brokered many deals for Pakistani cricketers with UK based clubs stated to PakPassion "I'm pleased that a young cricketer like Sadaf who looks a good prospect is coming over to the UK to test himself in club cricket. I always state to Pakistani cricketers that if the opportunity presents itself to play league cricket, then make the most of that opportunity. The boys who come over to the UK and play club cricket learn so much from the experience and it definitely helps them for the future."

Eppleton vice captain Shaun Bradbury also speaking to PakPassion.net added "Everybody at the club is excited at the thought of seeing Sadaf in action this summer. We have over the years had some excellent overseas professionals and of course we all hope that Sadaf does well. We appreciate that its his first season overseas, so it may take him a bit of time to settle, but what we may do is to get him some accommodation with another Pakistani professional cricketer. We asked Danny (Arshad) for a quick bowler and Sadaf was one of the first names that he recommended. We've seen videos of Sadaf in action and he looks a good prospect and we are looking forward to seeing him come over and take plenty of wickets.

Sometimes you don't know what you are getting with overseas professionals, but from what I hear, Sadaf should prove to be a good signing for us."