'I had requested him and he came' - When Sourav Ganguly attended Yasir Arafat’s wedding despite a busy schedule

Former Pakistan pacer Yasir Arafat shot into the limelight due to his skiddy action and the ability to generate prodigious swing. He sadly came in an era when the team boasted of names such as Umar Gul, Sohail Tanveer, and Mohammad Asif. Arafat has featured in 27 games for the Men in Green across formats.

After his chances with the national side began diminishing, the 39-year-old started playing County cricket and has represented Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, and Somerset. Of late, he is the news for recalling an old incident related to his wedding. Apparently, the former cricketer had invited various friends for his wedding in September 2011, which also included many Indian players.

Although the schedule was such that many players could not make it, Sourav Ganguly though surprised Arafat by attending the marriage. The pacer was humbled by this gesture from the former Indian skipper.

“Sourav Ganguly is also very humble. I don’t think many fans would know it, but he even attended my wedding. I had invited many cricketers, but not everyone came. I had requested Sourav and he came. I think he was a little busy that time. Still, he attended my wedding ceremony,” Yasir Arafat told Sports Yaari YouTube Channel.

When Kolkata Knight Riders signed Yasir Arafat to play for IPL in 2008

The 39-year-old also recalled a fond memory of his time when Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), had offered him a chance to play for the franchise in 2009 due to consistent performances in the County circuit. Although, the deal could not be materialized due to the ban of Pakistan players from the league because of political tension between India and Pakistan.

“That scout met me and told me that Shah Rukh Khan had been closely following my stats. I did not believe the scout and thought someone was pulling a prank on me. He gave me his card, but I never responded,” Arafat said.

The KKR owner offered him a contract for three years which Arafat felt was special as he did not expect to get noticed from any of the franchises let alone KKR in the IPL.