Saqlain Mushtaq: Fans enjoying bowling from me and Muttiah Muralitharan in MCL

Saqlain Mushtaq: Fans enjoying bowling from me and Muttiah Muralitharan in MCL

New Delhi: It might be a league of retired cricketers but Saqlain Mushtaq is enjoying every bit of his partnership with ‘spin twin’ Muttiah Muralitharan as the two spin wizards are plying their trade for Gemini Arabians in the Masters Champions League (MCL) T20. “We are the new spin twins. We are getting lot of positive reactions from the fans. People are enjoying watching me and Murali operate in tandem. It’s a dream bowling partnership. Like batting, bowling also needs partnerships. I have had successful partnership with Mushy [Mushtaq Ahmed] and Shahid Afridi when I played for Pakistan,” 40-year-old Saqlain told PTI. MCL 2016: Muttiah Muralitharan, Brad Hodge shine in Gemini Arabians

The two exponents of ‘doosra’ are also sharing some of the tricks. “The best part is that we are both sharing our tricks with each other. My job is to keep pressure on the batsmen with restrictive line while Murali will be the one who will go for wickets.” Saqlain is happy to be a part of MCL as it has given him a chance to pursue his passion once again while reliving the memories of his playing days. South African batsman Neil McKenzie announces international retirement

“It is obviously an alternative career option for the retired players. It gives them a platform to pursue what they love the most — to play the game. Also the fans can catch a glimpse of their heroes. Personally for me, I feel at least 20 years younger the moment I stepped onto the field. Memories of the good old days kept coming back,” Saqlain fondly recollected.