ELLAND/MANCHESTER – ENGLAND: American all rounder Zishawn Qureshi has one day remaining in quarantine and then is expected to hit the ground running in England where he will line up for Elland in league cricket there.
Qureshi arrived in the country over a week ago and is expected to take in his first session with the club on Monday at their club ground. He is the first American cricketer to play in the English leagues and this is expected to open up the doors to many more American cricketers going to the ‘home of cricket’ to hone their skills.
Elland Cricket Club plays in the Huddersfield Drakes Cricket League. The league will be played from April 17 to September 11.
The left-arm orthodox spinner and hard-hitting right-handed batsman is looking forward to playing in England. “The Covid situation continues to frustrate but thank God my quarantine ends in a day, so I can get out there and take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful country.
“I saw the ground on my way from the airport and it looks in amazing condition. I can’t wait to get out there and play cricket. Back home, except at Central Broward and the Maq Cricket Stadium, you don’t get value for shots because in many cases County wants the grass at a certain height. However, over here the outfield is rather quick and batsmen enjoy their work.”
Qureshi said that he is using the time away from the cricket field to re-focus on his cricketing ambition. “I am really doing a lot of planning and mental work as I am in my flat. Mental preparation is so vital for success in cricket. I am also doing a lot of visualization as well and hopefully, all these things add to my cricket when I go out there to represent the club. I want to do well for Elland, they have given me an opportunity and for this, I am really grateful and I intend to repay them with excellent performances.”
