Another blow for Mumbai cricket: Sarfaraz Khan switches allegiance to UP

Mumbai cricket has been going through a tough phase of late and it seems as if their troubles have worsened. After the BCCI announced the suspension of batsman Hiken Shah for an inappropriate approach to Ranji teammate Pravin Tambe, upcoming talent Sarfaraz Khan has decided to leave Mumbai to play for Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2015-16 domestic season.

According to a report in ESPNCricinfo , Sarfaraz’s father Naushad Khan had approached UP Cricket Association secretary - Rajiv Shukla - for the switch.

“I spoke with Rajiv Shukla [UPCA secretary> about the desire to return to my roots and he welcomed Sarfaraz back with open hands,” Naushad said. “Obviously Shuklaji has clarified that Sarfaraz will have to perform in the selection trials first but he is no stranger to proving himself time and again,” he added.

The Mumbai-born player who was bagged by Royal Challengers Bangalore for 50 lakh for IPL 8, had impressed with his fearless performances in the tournament.

Last year, Sarfaraz was omitted from the list of probables for the zonal Twenty20 league after he had allegedly made an obscene gesture to the selectors during a Cooch Behar Trophy (U-19) game. He was still selected in the squad after issuing an apology but his match fees for the 2014-15 season were withheld. There is a possibility that this might have acted as catalyst in Sarfaraz’s decision to make the switch. But Naushad denied that MCA’s move had anything to do with the switch to UP.

Sarfaraz made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2014 against Bengal but was dropped from the team after managing just 95 runs from three games. Naushad insisted that a chance of getting more opportunities was one of the reasons behind his move.

“Sarfaraz will play for UP purely because he’s getting an opportunity to do so there, which is critical for his career at this stage. He’ll have to play the selection tournaments there too. There is no politics or controversy behind this move. I am thankful to the MCA for everything that they’ve done for him so far in his nascent career,” Naushad told Cricbuzz.com .

Mumbai Cricket Association joint secretary Dr PV Shetty tried to persuade the youngster to stay but then finally gave them a no objection certificate (NOC) as the father-son duo were adamant to leave.

Sarfaraz came into limelight when he slammed 439 playing for Rizvi Springfield against Indian Education Society and shattered the Harris Shield record for the highest score.

On thursday, Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar-owned Professional Management Group (PMG) announced the signing of Sarfaraz Khan on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. The deal will see PMG, headed by Gavaskar and co-owned by Sam Balsara - chairperson Madison World and Noomi Mehta - chairperson and managing director Selvel One Group, manage 17-year-old Sarfaraz’s commercial dealings.

Gavaskar, director of PMG said: “I have had the pleasure of watching Sarfaraz bat on a few occasions and he certainly comes across as an exciting young talent. I hope his association with PMG can be a stepping stone towards helping him fulfill his immense potential.”

Sarfarz, for long, has been considered as one of the young prodigies destined for great things. With veteran batsman Wasim Jaffer moving to Vidarbha after 19 seasons with Mumbai, Sarfaraz’s switch comes as a huge blow for Mumbai cricket which is struggling to find its feet.

With inputs from PTI