Karachi: Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat revealed that Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shahrukh Khan came to London to offer him a three-year Indian Premier League contract for the second season.
“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 performance. That scout met me and told me that Shahrukh 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,” Arafat was quoted as saying to Sports Yaari.
The former Pakistani pacer further said that he got a call from Shahrukh Khan and told him to play for KKR in 2009. Later he also came to London to offer Arafat the contract. “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.
“Shahrukh 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,” added the Pakistani. However, Arafat wasn’t able to make his IPL debut since the BCCI banned Pakistani cricketers in the IPL thereafter following the 2009 terrorist attacks in India.
Arafat who had played three Tests, 11 ODIs, and 13 T20Is for Pakistan also missed playing under dear friend and former India captain Sourav Ganguly. He also praised Ganguly for his humbleness and also thanked him for attending his wedding.
“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,” Arafat said.
