Xavier Marshall has the potential of doing well if he gets a chance in the IPL: Muhammad Asad Ghous [Interview]

Cricket in the United States of America is yet to be counted among the big boys of the sport. Even as the nation bagged as many as 113 medals in the recently-concluded Tokyo Olympics the country is still finding its way in their cricketing sojourn. One man, who has witnessed USA cricket through a number of downs in their former skipper Muhammad Asad Ghous.

Ghous, initially, was picked as a batter after he became the highest run-scorer in the domestic U19 national championship in 2009. However, later, his spin-bowling prowess came to the fore after he picked up a five-wicket haul against Afghanistan U19 in the World Cup Qualifier in Toronto. In fact, his bowling became his primary skill going forward.

In 2015, he became the USA skipper for the ICC Americas Division One T20 Championship. In that tournament, the USA finished second and qualified for the World T20 Qualifier in Ireland. However, much to his dismay, he fell out of contention in 2016 after his form dropped.

In two List A and 21 T20 matches, Ghous scored 53 runs and picked up 16 wickets. In the meantime, the 31-year-old took time out for an exclusive interview with CricTracker. During the conversation, he talked about USA cricket and had a few words to say about the IPL as well.

Here are the excerpts from Muhammad Asad Ghous’ interview:

You moved to New Jersey from Lahore at the age of 11. What are your initial memories of the game when you grew up in Pakistan?

When I was in Pakistan, I was young. I was 10-11 when I transited to America. In Pakistan, there’s a lot of kids playing in the streets; I used to play with friends, the kids in the neighbourhood. My father used to play for a department, named Pakistan Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

So, I guess cricket was in my blood. In Pakistan, it was mostly about playing cricket and flying kites. I moved to the USA in 2001 and I was not sure of my cricket career. I wasn’t sure where was the team playing and it wasn’t even in my mind. My life and motive were different.

I remember in the first few years, I watched matches of Pakistan and also followed the 2003 World Cup at my uncle’s house. I had a house where I used to play basketball with my friends. In a tennis course nearby, I used to see some guys playing cricket.

I was impressed and also shocked to see guys playing in America. In a way, I was happy as well. So, I asked them ‘Can I join you?’ Then I asked them questions about cricket in the USA. They talked about league cricket and the processes involved with it.

We exchanged numbers and that’s where my journey began. The following summer I played club cricket in New Jersey and that’s where I started my career.

Where has USA Men’s cricket reached from the time you started playing?

I started my cricket career in the USA in 2005-06. At that time, I didn’t know about USA cricket and only knew that people were playing for fun. Later, I found out that an ICC trophy was happening and West Indies won the tournament. The USA also took part and they played against New Zealand and Australia. That’s where I became aware of the USA cricket team.

Back then, the USA cricket structure was so big that it was divided into eight regions. I lived in New York, which falls under the Atlantic region. They were having trials for the U19 regional teams and my club captain asked me to go for it. I was 16 or 17 then. Thankfully, I attended the trials and made the team. We went to Florida where the weather conditions were soothing.

That year in 2007, they weren’t picking the team since USA sport was suspended at that time. The USA didn’t take part in qualification rounds for the World Cup in Malaysia. That’s where I got to know about their cricket and got a clearer picture of my career.

What is something that people do not know about cricket in the USA?

Back then, people didn’t know much about the game. Only the people from India, Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh could relate to the sport. But the USA residents weren’t quite aware of cricket. It’s something new for them and they would ask, ‘What’s this? Looks something like baseball.’ Then I used to explain the whole process of the game.

Now, there’s so much happening. People are playing on weekdays in the park. In New Jersey and New York, you’ll see cricket being played everywhere. Night tournaments also take place around most places in the USA. The game has expanded a lot in the country. When it comes to sports, there’s a lot of things that are happening in America.

In your opinion, what are the main factors for cricketers like Unmukt Chand, Smit Patel leaving India and shifting base to the USA to play the game?

It’s their personal opinions and beliefs. They did what they had to do as per their requirements. If they feel there are better opportunities in America, then why not? Every athlete has the right to pick their own careers and have the right to go where they want.

As a cricketer, you would never want to be sitting; you want to play good cricket. Good luck to them and I feel one should follow whatever works for them.

Talk to us about the infrastructure facilities in USA cricket and how has it changed over the years?

Back in 2008-10, there weren’t enough grounds in the USA. Cricket was not that popular and there were stadiums, mostly for soccer and baseball. Now, the owners of the teams are starting to invest on the grounds. A number of stadiums are being built in Atlanta and Houston.

There are turf wickets in California and Chicago. In New Jersey, we have grounds, but not of the expected quality standards. The infrastructure has changed a lot.

Now there are more grounds, which means more cricket is going to happen. They are indoor facilities as well and USA cricket is definitely moving in the right direction.

What are some of the key challenges when it comes to cricket being taken seriously in the USA?

As a cricketer, you have only two plans. Plan 1 is that you want to play cricket and Plan 2 is that you want to work. Back then, there were no contracts and payments were made on the basis of tournaments. It’s hard surviving in the USA as you have to pay for your house, you have car insurance and car payments.

Playing tournaments didn’t cover up the expenses. So, we had to work to meet our ends. Now, you have contracts and you can pick and choose as per your comfort.

There are a lot of tournaments happening in the USA and in a year, you can play seven to eight of them. You still have to work hard, but the options have opened up than before.

Ali Khan has been picked in the IPL before. Any particular young player you feel has the potential to represent the USA in IPL?

I know Ali Khan personally and I’ve played cricket with him as well. The sky is the limit. There’s a lot of good players coming in the USA who can play to that level. They just need more exposure and opportunities.

The IPL is the biggest league in the world and the highest-paid league. Every athlete and cricketer have a dream of playing in the tournament. Xavier Marshall had played Test cricket for the West Indies.

If he gets an opportunity, he can do well in the IPL. He has the background and the platform of playing for a Test nation.

Can we see the USA team host/play more bi-lateral series in the near future? What is the plan and how are the management and coach trying to inculcate a strong culture within the team?

There’s an ODI series coming up against Nepal in September and the team is preparing well. They are under contracts and hence, are keen to do well. They are working out, keeping themselves fit and most importantly, they don’t have to work.

Once you are mentally and physically fit, the performance starts to come. The skillsets do matter, but as long as your body is with you, everything will click in. Playing against Nepal will be challenging as they are a good team. I’m looking forward to the tournament.

Talk us through the importance of ICC bidding for the inclusion of cricket for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. How can USA Cricket play a role in it?

When it comes to Olympics, in terms of sports, the USA have won a lot of gold, especially in NBA and swimming. I would love to see the USA cricket team play in the 2028 Games. The USA would play a big role since they are a well-known country. Hopefully, cricket in Olympics works out going forward.

Where do you see USA cricket five years from now?

USA cricket is moving in the right direction. They have got an ODI status and they are doing well. They need to sustain and keep moving forward. I’m not sure about the 50-over World Cup, but I hope to see them in the T20 World Cup in the next five years.