Arafat is amongst the highest wicket takers in the history of Twenty over cricket and currently playing for Surrey he spoke with PakPassion.net about his hopes for an international recall and his time so far this season with Surrey.

 by Saj Sadiq

26th July 2011

Yasir Arafat's international career has been a rather stop-start affair, largely curtailed due to injury.

The 29 year old was selected for both the Twenty20 World Cup winning squad in 2009 and also the 2010 Twenty20 World Cup, but his participation in both events was cut short due to injury.

Many in Yasir's shoes would rue their luck, but Yasir feels that it was his destiny not to complete the 2009 tournament or travel to the Caribbean for the 2010 tournament.

"I don't look back with any sadness or frustration, it wasn't meant to be and there was very little I could do about it. I was pleased for the boys when they won the 2009 event and there was absolutely no resentment that I was not there with them at Lords. It was a great day for Pakistan cricket and for every Pakistani and I was so proud when Younis (Khan) lifted the trophy."

Arafat has been a popular choice on the County circuit over the years and has represented Scotland, Kent, Sussex and Surrey. His enthusiastic and consistent performances have made him a fan's favourite and a cricketer well respected by the opposition. In addition to playing English County cricket, Arafat has appeared in domestic Twenty over competitions in both South Africa and New Zealand.

Arafat is amongst the highest wicket takers in the history of Twenty over cricket and currently playing for Surrey he spoke with PakPassion.net about his hopes for an international recall and his time so far this season with Surrey.

Arafat's last appearance in Pakistan colours was in February 2010 in Dubai against England in a Twenty over encounter and he admits it's been a frustrating time for him not being given another opportunity.

"I have always had faith in my ability. I have always believed that I am good enough to play on a consistent basis for Pakistan and I still believe that I am good enough to play for Pakistan. Whether that opportunity presents itself is something that is in the hands of the selectors, but I know that if I ever get the chance to play for my country again, then I will give my all, as I always do."

Arafat has only featured in 21 matches for Pakistan, more than half of those were in one day internationals and he feels that there is plenty of international cricket left in him.

"I'm eager to make a return for Pakistan and at the age of 29 I feel that I am not past my best. I have a lot of cricket left in me and fill the all-rounder slot for Pakistan in any format of the game."

Fresh from a career best 5-45 in the Clydesdale Bank 40 over competition against Warwickshire, Arafat described how the ongoing season had been a frustrating one at times.

"I've had a niggling elbow injury that has hampered me throughout the season and at times I have struggled. There have been days when I have felt good but the injury then returns. However I'm hopeful now that the injury problems are behind me and that I can now regain my best form and help Surrey for the rest of the season. The 5-for against Warwickshire really came at a very good time for me and the team. I hope that both Surrey and I can kick on from the Warwickshire win and build on it."