Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, now a British citizen, will be the first player of Pakistani origin to figure in the IPL since the first edition in 2008. Thirty seven year old Mahmood was bought by Kings XI Punjab at the Indian Premier League players' auction in Bangalore.

Rawalpindi-born Azhar played 21 Tests - scoring 900 runs with three centuries and taking 39 wickets and also featured in 143 one-day internationals - scoring 1,521 runs and taking 123 wickets for Pakistan. He last played international cricket 5 years ago.

Speaking with PakPassion.net Mahmood, who was recently an integral part of the Dhaka Gladiators success at the inaugural Bangladesh Premier League where he was named the Most Valuable Foreign Player, expressed his excitement at being given an opportunity to play in the IPL.

“I’m really excited at playing in the Indian Premier League, it should be a great adventure to play for Kings XI Punjab. My aim is always to give my all and I will go to India looking to win my fourth Twenty20 title, after previous wins with Surrey, Auckland and Dhaka. I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a lot of success in twenty over cricket and I hope that it can continue in India.”

Mahmood who will be playing for Kent again in the upcoming county season in England also spoke highly of the IPL and described it as “the biggest tournament in the world after international cricket”.

Mahmood will be joined by Wasim Akram who is in the coaching staff of Kolkata Knight Riders and Rameez Raja who will be part of the commentary team as the only Pakistanis taking part in the IPL and added that the lack of Pakistani participation was a matter for the two cricket boards.

“My job is to play competitive cricket wherever it is available in the world. Yes I am going to India as an English qualified player, but let’s make something absolutely clear here, I don’t think the IPL organizers have any problems with Pakistanis, the problem seems to be with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s contracted players. Look, Wasim Akram will be working at the IPL again this time, I am going too and everyone knows that I have previously played for Pakistan, so it’s not a problem specifically with Pakistanis, rather an issue between the BCCI and PCB.”

Mahmood further spoke of his anticipation at playing cricket in India once again, a country where he says he has always enjoyed showing his talents.

“Whenever I have toured India, it’s always been very enjoyable. The fans have always given us (Pakistani cricketers) a lot of appreciation and love and the Indian fans enjoy watching Pakistani cricketers playing in India. I toured India in 1997 and 1999 and the appreciation shown by the Indian fans was great. It actually felt like we were playing in Pakistan and not India and I’m really looking forward to be able to play some good cricket out there in India.”

The Indian Premier League commences on 4th April when the Chennai Superkings face the Mumbai Indians. Mahmood and his team mates at Kings XI Punjab open their IPL season when they come up against Rajasthan Royals on 6th April.