Malik & Basit to play in Bangladesh (31 Oct 1997)

31 October 1997

Malik & Basit to play in Bangladesh

By Hasan Saeed

DHAKA, Oct 30: Salim Malik, Basit Ali and Ruwan Kalpage - three popular faces in the international arena - are about to make their debut here in the Damal Smriti Cricket Tournament.

Sri Lankan Test discard Kalpage already arrived in the capital yesterday to play for Mohammedans. The 27-year-old Lankan off-spinner will play in today's match against Brothers Union confirmed a Mohammedans official. Meanwhile, Mohammedans arch - rivals and defending champions Abahani Krira Chakra have confirmed the services of Pakistan Test reject and middle-order batsman Basit Ali, who is due in the city today. Basit, whose elegant batting style often reminds critics of his legendary compatriot Javed Miandad, last played in Hong Kong Sixes.

But it was Biman who are set to create the biggest sensation by roping in Malik, the most experienced Pakistani batsman who scored 6881 runs in one-dayers and 5528 runs in Test matches for his country.

Malik, is expected to arrive in the capital by the same flight along with Basit, said a Biman source.

However, Kalpage a member of the victorious Sri Lankan team in the Asia Cup was dropped from the national squad for the forthcoming four-nation tournament in Pakistan and the tour of India. The left-hander plays for Bloomstar along with Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama in the domestic cricket Kalpage toured Bangladesh early this year where he captained Sir Lanka A team during the SAARC cricket tournament.

Source:: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)