Devon Cricket Board - Ton-up Pakistani pacer joins Cornwood

Ton-up Pakistani pacer joins Cornwood

CORNWOOD have signed ton-up Pakistani fast bowler Asif Raja to spearhead their first Devon Premier Division campaign for more than a decade.
The Corns were promoted into the Premier Division at the end of last season as runners-up behind Exeter.
Skipper Craig Harris is passionate about staying in the top flight for more than a season – something few teams promoted as runners-up manage to do.
So the club management have backed Harris by recruiting Asif, who opens the bowling at home for Lahore Lions in partnership with former Cornwood pro Aizaz Cheema.
Raza took more than 100 wickets for Bagnall in 18 games in the North Staffs and South Cheshire League last season – and hit nearly 650 runs at an average of 35.94.
His figures included a nine-wicket haul againstWedgwood & Stansfield CC, as well as three eight-wicket returns.
The league website lists the top-10 bowling performances in Bagnall’s division last season – and Asif occupies all of them!
Harris is looking forward to seeing Asif rip up some stumps on the Devon circuit dring the summer ahead.
“Asif has been playing all winter in all forms and shows some real encouraging signs as a potential international player for the future,” said Harris.
“On the overseas player front we have also had to make a late change, as our original plan for a South African bowler fell through, and we were immediately recommended Asif
“After some brief discussions with Aizaz we didn’t hesitant at all to take up this opportunity.
Aizaz was a great performer for us and having his insight, and being able to tell Asif a bit about the club has meant that we are fortunately sorted with a great replacement.
“We are expecting his visa confirmation imminently, to complete the entry process in time for the start of the season.”
Cornwood have lost a couple of players from last season’s squad – seamer Mike Wood has moved away and batter Scott Mansfield has gone to Plymstock – and one hoped-for signing has fallen through.
“Due to personal circumstances Kyle Van Rooyen has been unable to commit for this season and will remain playing his club cricket for Truro in Cornwall,” said Harris.
Harris said he was disappointed the club’s winter recruiting plans hadn’t been that fruitful, but he remains upbeat about the season ahead.
“We have a dynamic club with a good blend of well-established, proven players along with some exciting emerging players within our ranks, including some that have been training around the county set up,” said Harris.
“In many ways it seems right these players are given the opportunity to prove themselves in the top flight, as they were the ones that got us there.
“Our winter prep has been good and there is a real buzz about the club with qhat lies ahead.
“It is fantastic for Cornwood to be playing at the top level, it’s where we want to stay and we are certainly up for the challenge.
“There is no better place to test ourselves then at the highest level possible and against the best players in the county.”

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