By Zechariah

 

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net Pakistani test opener Khurram Manzoor, has stated that he greatly enjoyed his involvement in Bangladesh’s Port-City Cricket League (PCL) recently held in Sharjah. "PCL was a great experience" said Manzoor who represented the Chittagong Tigers in the competition which also included international players such as Lou Vincent, Imran Nazir, Shoaib Malik, Faisal Iqbal, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah.

The final of the competition was held on April 3 between Chittagong Tigers and Brother Sports in which Brother Sports won by two wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Brother Sports, who were defending the title they won in 2009, had the services of Imran Nazir, Azhar Mahmood, Nafees Iqbal, Abdur Razzak, Enamul Rafique and Mohammad Rafique at their disposal.

Chittagong Tigers had been limited to a target of 129 all out in the final, thanks largely to Abdur Razzak who picked up three wickets for 16 runs. Brother Sports started wonderfully with former Pakistani all rounder Azhar Mahmood scoring 26 off 18 balls, while Tushar Imran hit a run a ball 21. However, the wickets kept falling and Zia Ur Rahman’s unbeaten 17, and Mohammad Rafiq’s unbeaten 14 runs, helped Brother Sports chase the target down with two balls to spare.

Pakistani's Imran Nazir and Khurram Manzoor were the first and second highest run scorers in the tournament respectively.

The tournament was a valuable experience for Manzoor and he stated. “I was part of a young squad with a very good team spirit. I really enjoyed the tournament and it was an invaluable experience".

Khurram also thanked the coach Khalid Shujan and owner Sameer of the Chittagong Tigers for his efforts. “They really looked after all the players and made them all feel very welcome. It was a very well organised tournament and credit must go to the organisers. I'd love to be part of this competition in future.” Manzoor added.

PIA opener Manzoor is also looking forward to the domestic Bangladesh 20/20 competition that gets underway soon, wherein each domestic team will be allowed one overseas player. “I hope the PCB will allow me to play in the forthcoming Bangladesh domestic Twenty/20 competition. If I play in this competition I will be back in Pakistan in time for the Pentangular Cup".

Manzoor who showed great promise with his gritty innings in the final test during the tour of Australia is determined to make the test squad for the England series this summer. “I hope I will be a part of the test squad this summer to face England and Australia. It is down to the selectors but I hope that I can build on the third test in Australia.”

Pakistan will face England and Australia in the summer in England, which is undoubtedly an important series for Pakistan as they look to recover from the disastrous events over past few months on and off the field.