July 23, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 19, 1429

LONDON, July 22: English county Worcestershire rewarded Pakistan-born seam bowler Imran Arif for his excellent County Championship debut with a two-year contract starting next season.

Imran recorded match figures of 7-131 on his first outing for his new County as they beat Glamorgan by ten wickets at New Road.

Imran, who was plucked out of Bradford League, will continue to play as an overseas player this season as he waits to obtain a British passport for the contract to be sealed.

That should not be problem for Imran who is married to a British citizen and waiting for paperwork to be finalised.

“It is a dream come true. I feel like I’m at home with Worcester, it is really good place,” Imran said.

Imran, playing for second XI for the past two seasons and being a leading wicket-taker in Bradford League, came to Worcester thinking he was just in the city for second team matches.

But the Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes told him to stay as there was a chance he could play in a four-day match against Glamorgan. Imran took five for 50 in the first innings and picked up two more wickets as Glamorgan followed on.—Agencies