Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net Arafat spoke of his delight at signing for Canterbury and how much he is looking forward to a successful stint with them.

By Saj Sadiq (30th November, 2011)

Pakistan all rounder Yasir Arafat has signed for Canterbury for their upcoming domestic Twenty20 campaign. Arafat played both the Twenty20s and one-day matches two seasons ago for Otago when he took 16 wickets in 14 games and scored a century. This year he will represent Canterbury only in the HRV Cup which is New Zealand's twenty over competition.

29 year old Arafat has represented Pakistan in 11 ODIs, three Tests and 7 Twenty20s, but has not been in the national side since February 2010. Unlucky with injury prior to and during major international tournaments, Arafat has been unable to dislodge Abdul Razzaq and lately Sohail Tanvir and Hammad Azam from the Pakistan side.

Arafat who has been representing Khan Research Labroratories (KRL) in the ongoing Quaid E Azam Trophy joins Canterbury after a summer with County side Surrey in which he took 49 wickets at an average of 34.53 across all formats in the English domestic season.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net Arafat spoke of his delight at signing for Canterbury and how much he is looking forward to a successful stint with them.

"I'm delighted to have signed for Canterbury, especially after my successful spell with Otago two seasons ago which I thoroughly enjoyed. My time in New Zealand last time around was very pleasant. The standard of cricket was very good, the tournament was well organised and the people of New Zealand were very friendly. I'm really looking forward to going back to New Zealand and to play some good cricket and be an ambassador once again for Pakistan cricket in New Zealand."

Arafat also stated that he was satisfied with his current form for KRL and that he is fully fit ahead of the HRV Cup after an elbow injury troubled him during the County season.

"I'm averaging over 50 with the bat in the Quaid E Azam Trophy and I've taken 16 wickets in 5 matches at an average of under 15, so all in all the form is decent and the injury niggles I had towards the end of the English County season with Surrey are thankfully behind me. I'm happy with my form and hope to take the good form with me to New Zealand."

Arafat who has 122 wickets in domestic Twenty over cricket confirmed that he will be leaving for New Zealand next week ahead of the HRV Cup which commences on 18th December when Canterbury take on Northern Districts.

Speaking also about his hopes for a return to the national side Arafat candidly stated "One never knows what is around the corner. Nobody knows what will happen in the future. My wishes and hopes are to play for my country again and I know that I can perform well for Pakistan. Things change very quickly in Pakistan cricket and I hope that I get another chance in future."