“Shahrukh Khan offered me to join KKR” – Yasir Arafat

Since it’s inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has gone on to become the biggest T20 franchise competition in the world.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat recently revealed that even he was expected to participate in IPL 2009 as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan personally offered him a contract to join his franchise. Arafat said, “Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had shortlisted names for the first edition and unfortunately, I was not among them and couldn’t play”

“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 revealed.

“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 me not contacting them and the discussion was put off. They again offered me a three-year contract where Shah Rukh himself called and welcomed me.

“Then Mumbai blasts happened and Pakistan players were unable to become part of the competition ever again. It is a matter of luck perhaps that me and other Pakistan players never played in the IPL again”, he further added.

Arafat has a very brilliant past record and is definitely a vital clog for his respective team.