'Special' Irfan bound for bigger and better things

The Indian Premier League (IPL) could become the next hunting ground for 'special talent' Irfan Ahmed, who was the talk and the toast of the Hong Kong Sixes - not only with the fans but even among the overseas stars and celebrity TV commentators.

Proud local officials said they would explore the possibility of Hong Kong hero Irfan playing in the IPL after former Indian test player Sanjay Manjrekar, now a TV commentator on Ten Sports, first raised the possibility when he said on air that Irfan was a player who could do well in the IPL.

'If the talent scouts in the IPL were around, they would be delighted with his unique hitting,' said an impressed Manjrekar. 'It has been absolutely clean and uncomplicated batting.'

Co-commentator and ex-New Zealand international Danny Morrison had no doubts at all. 'Sign him up for the IPL right away,' said Morrison after Irfan had taken on every attack and come out on top.

Irfan, 18, (pictured) totalled 168 in six innings with an astonishing 21 sixes coming sweetly off his broad bat. He also grabbed seven wickets with his right-arm fast-medium thunderbolts, the most memorable being his superb in-swinging yorkers which uprooted Englishman Graham Wagg's middle stump as well as those of Australians Brendan Drew and Stephen O'Keefe.

Former captain Rahul Sharma called for the Hong Kong Cricket Association to nurture Irfan instead of risking the possibility of losing him completely to the overseas raiders.

'Irfan is right up there with the best. He demonstrated that at the weekend,' said Sharma, who is also a selector and manager of the Sixes team. 'We have a special talent in our midst and we must ensure he has a career in cricket.

'Aftab Habib [Hong Kong coach] and I will be exploring avenues for Irfan to play overseas, either in India in the IPL or in England,' added Sharma. 'I will be getting in touch with Robin Singh [former Hong Kong coach] about the possibility of him playing in India.'

Irfan's performance also raised eyebrows among the visiting teams - none more than the All Stars and Sri Lanka who both fell victim to his flashing blade which gave Hong Kong wins over these illustrious opponents on the first day when Irfan wasn't dismissed once in three outings. 'I have been really impressed with the way Hong Kong have gone about the game,' said ex-Australian test opener Justin Langer.

Irfan was unfazed by all the attention being put on him. With all the assurance of youth, he said he was confident he could do well in the IPL if he was given the chance.

'I would love to play in the IPL and I know I can do well there,' said Irfan. 'It has been a great week for me. It was important for me to do well and I think Hong Kong performed very well.'

Hong Kong's fortunes were inextricably linked to Irfan's batting and it was no coincidence that on the two occasions he was dismissed yesterday, Hong Kong lost two games they could have won - chasing 99 against South Africa and then a very gettable 76 versus England.

'He's been the most consistent batsman in our side and both times he was dismissed, we struggled. But we still should have chased down 76 against England and done better,' said Hong Kong skipper Manoj Cheruparambil.

'But still it has been a great performance from the guys. We came up against some very good teams with decent cricketers and we gave them a good fight.'

Munir Dar impressed with his bowling as did Najeeb Amar. Cheruparambil came to the show late as he hammered an unbeaten 41 against Australia. But one player stood out - Irfan.

Hong Kong lost all their three games yesterday - to South Africa, England and Australia - to finish fourth, and for their efforts won US$20,000. Some of this money will go to the players.

Whatever his share, it will be just rewards for Irfan. But these past few days have shown Irfan that he is deserving of more.

'This game is all about money right now. If we can get him into the IPL, it will be great for him. It is only for a few weeks of the year and it is not as if we will lose him completely. Hong Kong will benefit if Irfan plays more competitively overseas,' said Sharma.