Naved signs two-year contract with Sussex

[tahaqureshi]

By Mirza Iqbal Baig

KARACHI: English county Sussex has signed a two-year contract with Pakistan’s pacer Rana Navedul Hassan after his fine debut performance with the county. Naved performed magnificently in his first county season, capturing 54 wickets from 9 first class matches at an average of 19.92 and scoring 346 runs including a hundred against Middlesex.

The 27-year-old bowler, who returned home on Thursday, told Daily Times that he had an excellent experience of playing county cricket and this would help him a lot when Pakistan tour England next year.

Naved, who has represented Pakistan in 5 Tests and 31 one-day internationals, said veteran leg spinner Mushtaq Ahmad was a great help during his first county season. “With the presence of Mushtaq in the Sussex team, I got a great boost,” he maintained.

Naved, who is the third cricketer from Sheikhupura along with Aaqib Javed and Mohammad Asif to represent Pakistan in Test cricket, said he played league cricket for Pudsy Congs in Bradford League for four years but found county cricket a totally different game.

Replying a question, he said that though moral of English team was quite high after winning the Ashes but Pakistan would give them a tough time in Pakistan. “On spinner friendly track, a quality spinner could create problems for the English batsmen. Pakistan are a balanced team,” he concluded.

[MIG]

From what I read above:

1. Congrats to Rana
2. Pak is about to make spinner friendly tracks ??
3. Ranas presence in county cricket for another 2 years is fine but he has to realize that he is 27 and with about 5-6yrs cricket ( test level ) left in him - would it be a wise idea to overexert himself in County cricket - ofcourse the financial aspect of playing in county cricket cannot be ignored here.

[Kashif]

I am very happy for Rana Naved. A couple of years ago, he was unknown to most. Injuries to our pace bowlers gave him a chanceless golden opportunity and look how he has done. An example for all domestic players to keep themselves ever ready for that opportunity which seems alluded.

[Sheikh_Ji]

54 wickets from 9 first class matches at an average of 19.92 and scoring 346 runs including a hundred against Middlesex

Very impressive stats!

[omer]

i m very haapy of this perfomance of rana.He si a big hearted guy. he works hard to be in top. i love his courage strength. In Urdu. *******Chalo ek to aaya dil sekhelne wala baqi sab nehley pe dehley hain By o
omer

[Saj]

Thoroughly deserved. I bet a few other counties were probably eyeing up his talents too. He's the type of player who gives 100% in each and every match.

[Amjid Javed]

Originally Posted by Saj Thoroughly deserved. I bet a few other counties were probably eyeing up his talents too. He's the type of player who gives 100% in each and every match.

Rana has played alot of club cricket in UK aswell as minor counties cricket, all
teams hes played for seem to be happy with his work ethic.. well deserved contract!

well done rana!

[Usman]

With most Pakistani players, I would say they are very lucky if they land a county contract but with Rana's performances this season I would have to say Sussex is a very lucky county to get his contract!

[HAFRIDI]

well done Rana, gives 110% on the field, great stats!

[pakistani pride]

anybody knows what he will earn there ?

[Toony™®]

He will earn pound Sterling.
I believe Rana will be more successful in Pak tour rather than Pak.