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Zaheer takes first step towards comeback
Indian Test discard has decided to shift base to Mumbai, following Vengsarkar's advice.
Indian Test discard Zaheer Khan on Thursday took the first step towards making a comeback to the national team by deciding to play for Mumbai.
The left-arm Baroda seamer expressed his desire to play for Mumbai and sought a no objection certificate from the Baroda Cricket Association after Dilip Vengsarkar, who took over from Kiran More as Chief Selector, asked Zaheer to play for Mumbai at the domestic level.
BCA Secretary Rakesh Parikh said they had received a letter in which the left-arm seamer requested an NOC for his transfer. Zaheer was quick to submit his application as the Mumbai Cricket Association's managing committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow to discuss the players for upcoming season.
Parikh said the move would be a "big blow" for Baroda as Zaheer had been instrumental in the team's excellent performances.
"He had played important role in making the team Ranji Trophy champions five years ago when Baroda had defeated Railways," he said.
"In subsequent years, Baroda continued to do well in Ranji with Zaheer playing his role sincerely in all the matches," he added.
He also said players like Rakesh Patel and Irfan Pathan were there to replace Zaheer in the Baroda team. MCA treasurer Prof Ratnakar Shetty said the decision to rope in Zaheer would be taken at the meeting.
Zaheer would give impetus to Mumbai team which has some good bowlers in Avishkar Salvi and Nilesh Kulkari.
The paceman, out of Indian team since after Pakistan tour this January, played for Worcestershire this season and took an 11-wicket match haul for the county.
