Even as Pakistan are finding the going tough in Sri Lanka, Azhar Mahmood, seasoned all-rounder is playing his wares in the English County circuit, for Kent.
Mahmood last turned out in Pakistan colors some five years back, and has since been playing cricket across in the world in various domestic leagues.
Azhar Mahmood also played IPL-5, Mahmood (37) was the lone Pakistani player, bolstering the cause of Kings XI Punjab. In this freewheeling chat with Indian media , Mahmood opened up to review his career and reflect on his journey as a professional cricketer. Replying to a question regarding his IPL-5 experience, Mahmood said the IPL is the biggest tournament in the world right now if you take away the ICC events, adding that people of India are so passionate about cricket.
“It’s the quality of cricket, no doubt. The number of games played, and presence of top international players. Especially this year, there have been a lot of last-over finishes, last-ball finishes. Just like the crowds, the players too find it exciting”, he added. He said “There are countries where even international cricket doesn’t attract the same crowds as IPL. In Asia, Sri Lankan and Pakistanis are passionate as well, but the Indian crowd is something else” Suggesting change in IPL, Mahmood said that freedom to the bowlers, like two bouncers an over which would give the bowlers an extra option to tackle a batsman playing a lot of different shots, reverse-sweeping and so on Playing IPL was a great opportunity for him to show his talent and tell peoples, he still good enough to play this game, Mahmood added.
“People will say, “Oh, he’s 37, he has to compete with the youngsters”. If you have to compete with youngsters, you have to work hard and be passionate about the game”, he said.
Mahmood said that during county cricket, I feel I am a representative of the club. When I came to Kings XI Punjab, it was my responsibility to look after myself and look after my franchise.
