I caught up today with Tariq "Murali" Mahmood the former Under 19 World Cup winning off spinner.

Tariq was in high spirits having just helped KRL to a comfortable victory over Karachi Whites, wherein he scored 32 runs in KRL's second innings and took 3 Karachi wickets in the second innings.

Mahmood told PakPassion how he became a KRL player and how his luck changed so quickly. "I received a phone call out of the blue from KRL medium pace bowler Jaffar Nazir asking me if I was available to play for KRL, as they had lost the services of off spinner Saeed Ajmal to ZTBL. I couldn't say yes quick enough and I couldn't wait to join up with my new team mates. This is a huge opportunity for me and one that I am not going to pass me by".

Mahmood who was part of the Under 19 World Cup winning squad in 2004, but was in 2006 called for an illegal bowling action, expressed his frustration at the lack of opportunities at his previous first class team Sialkot. "I was playing only the occasional match for Silakot, they would play me in a match occasionally, and then I wouldn't play another game for several weeks. Any cricketer will tell you, that there is nothing better than playing regular cricket. I felt that the time was now right to move on and take up a new challenge, as I was left playing club cricket for FSC club most of the time, rather than playing first class cricket".

Mahmood who amongst Pakistani cricket fans has the nickname "Murali" due to his bowling action resembling the great Sri Lankan feels that he can help KRL have a successful season in the Quaid e Azam Trophy. "My bowling action was cleared and is still very much like Murali's. Its just great to be playing again, the KRL boys have really made me feel welcome, they are a great set of lads and Mohammad Wasim is a very supportive captain who is really backing me. KRL have given me a one year contract and I intend to give 200% effort to their cause".