Srinagar, April 26: Former Pakistan cricketer Yasir Arafat has revealed that it was KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan himself who had offered him contract to play in IPL.
Yasir has revealed that he thought it was a joke and missed chance to be part of the league after first edition.
Apart from first edition of IPL, Pakistan players have not played in cash rich league.
All-rounder Azhar Mahmood had the chance to play after he became British Citizen in 2011.
“Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had shortlisted names for the first edition and unfortunately, I was not among them and couldn’t play,” Yasir said on Cricket Den’s YouTube channel.
“I was playing County Cricket for Kent in 2008 where KKR’s Scouting Team specially came from India and they met me during a match. They revealed that Shah Rukh Khan wants me to play for his side,” he added.
“Initially, I thought it was a joke as to why Shah Rukh would send somebody to talk regarding the contract. They also handed me a card and took my contact details.”
“A few weeks later, I received an email where they complained about not contacting and the discussion was put off. They again offered me a three-year contract where Shah Rukh himself called and welcomed me. He also picked up my contract through someone in London while travelling to the United States of America,” he said.
“Then Mumbai blasts happened and Pakistan players were unable to become part of the competition ever again,” he concluded.
Yasir has played three Tests, 11 ODIs and 13 T20Is from 2000-2012. Yasir was a regular overseas player in different franchise league across the globe in later stages of career.