Former India pacer Zaheer bats for club cricket

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan on Monday stressed importance of playing club cricket and gave his own example to prove his point.  former left-arm speedster was chief guest at prize distribution ceremony of 72nd Police Invitation Shield Cricket Tournament.

WATCH: MS Dhoni posts a 'Blast from Past' video featuring his better half Sakshi

Zaheer Khan on club cricket

"Club cricket is a prominent part of Mumbai's cricket and that is where we all learn how to get ready for higher-level. That's what Mumbai club cricket is all," he said.
 

"Keeping that in mind, congratulations to police for keeping this tradition going. Seventy-two years is a long time for someone to keep at it and keep getting better and better," said Zaheer while addressing young players at Mumbai Police Gymkhana in south of metropolis. This year it was won by MIG Cricket Club.

READ: Sanjay Manjrekar misspells Shimron Hetmyer's name, Twitter reacts

'I have been a regular feature of this tournament': Zaheer

"I have been a regular feature of this tournament when I was making my mark, trying to play at highest level. I would like to talk about club cricket of Mumbai because it is an important feature, which helps all cricketers. In my case, for sure, it really shaped me up to be ready for challenges of higher level," he said.

He also credited Mumbai's past dominance in Ranji Trophy to club cricket. "Club cricket in Mumbai speak volumes when you look at record of MCA, claiming Ranji title (for a record 41times). big success has to be club set-up, which our state has," he ted. Zaheer said he played a final at P J Hindu Gymkhana against Shivaji Park, in which he claimed seven wickets and that helped him to come in limelight.

"So that is power a club match has and every opportunity can take you to a height which you as a cricketer can never think of. Mumbai cricketers have ir own identity and it comes from club cricket. MCA needs to take good measures to lighten up club cricket structure," he signed off. 

READ: Australia vs New Zealand: In a bizarre incident, fans at Perth asked to return ir lunch

READ: IPL auction to go ahead as scheduled despite protests over CAA