SUNRISE/FL – USA: USA fast bowler Muhammad Ali Khan has come out in praise of CEO of Cricket Council USA (CCUSA) Mahammad Qureshi for his assistance in taking cricket forward in America.
Ali was presented with a 1.5-acre parcel of land in Orange County near Disney World by Qureshi for besting the best bowler at the US Open T20 this year.
Ali speaking to 925 News said: “I am very happy with the gesture shown to be by the Maq Group and Maq himself. He is really the God father of cricket in America and has done so much for the development of not only cricket players off the field as well.
“Sometimes when you need inspiration as a cricketer Maq is always there to give you sound advice and guidance because he really cares about people. He is a people person and today I can tell you that he has had a major role to play in my development as a cricketer.”
Qureshi brought Dwayne Bravo to the US Open three years ago to play for the US All Stars of which Ali was a member. Bravo saw the talent in Ali Khan and took him to Canada to play in the GT20 and then to the Caribbean to play for the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Ali who has forged a close relationship with the cricket administrator continued: “I am very fortunate to have Maq in my corner. His family has become my family and I always draw support from him. No matter where in the world I am, I can always count on him to be there for me.”
Ali Khan said Maq’s investment in the US Open T20 is paying big dividends. “Maq has spent his money, quite a lot over the years in building the US Open T20 and he continues put his resources in. I am really happy that the tournament has reached the stage it has, as it can rival other T20 tournaments across the world. The competition this year was fierce and it is unfortunate that we could not win the title but it was pleasing to see the level it has reached.”
