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| August 21, 2003 | Thursday | Jumadi-us-Sani 22, 1424 |
Waqar signs for North Sydney
SYDNEY, Aug 20: Waqar Younis, one of the world’s premier fast bowlers will play club cricket with North Sydney next summer with his Australian-raised wife Faryal due to give birth to their second child during his stint.
The baby Waqar is due in the middle of November, opening up the possibility of wearing the famous baggy green cap.
Cricket NSW operations manager Ian Field was among many to welcome news of Waqars’ playing stint in Sydney starting in early October. “Everyone is eligible to play for Australia and young Younis was no exception.”
Faryal Younis, an Australian citizen, moved to Australia with her family in 1983 but met Waqar in Pakistan. Her family is based in Sydney’s north-west. Waqar family will be here in October with Waqar to join his brother-in-law Salman Malik at North Sydney.
Malik first approached his club 12 months ago with idea of enticing Waqar to North Sydney, just like Mosman did with Shoaib Akhtar for 2001-02 season.
Waqar agreed and is set to play his first match against Balmain at Drummoyne Oval on Saturday, Oct 4.
Former Australian Test cricketer Greg Matthews described Waqar’s arrival as “wonderful. He bowls with genuine pace, has a great attitude and will be great for North Sydney.”
Mosman official Barry Hyland said his club held negotiations with Waqar, but “people with the money” declined to sign him.
“There had been discussions but in long run people with money at the club decided against it,” Hyland said.
Waqar is renowned for ability to swing old ball. The 87-Test veteran was dumped by Pakistan Cricket Board earlier this year after their disappointing performance at World Cup in South Africa, won by Australia.—APP
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