Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim lauded training facilities for cricketers in America as he is all set to represent Seattle Orcas in the inaugural edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC).
In a video shared by the franchise on Twitter, Imad said he feels good to be in America where he had his first training session ahead of the tournament.
"I had my first training session here [America] and it feels good to be here," said the all-rounder who is likely to represent Pakistan in this year's World Cup in India.
Imad credited groundsmen for preparing good practice wickets. "Groundsmen worked really hard to prepare a cricket wicket here," he appreciated.
"Our boys are working hard to get ready for the tournament. I hope and look forward to some exciting performance in the tournament," he concluded.
Imad will be accompanied by Azam Khan in Orcas whose backers include GMR Group, the co-owners of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals.
Pakistan's white-ball format vice-captain Shadab Khan and pacer Haris Rauf will represent San Francisco Unicorns in the league.
Hammad Azam and Ehsan Adil, who recently announced their retirement from international cricket, will represent IPL franchise Mumbai Indians' team MI New York.
Hammad played for Pakistan in 11 ODIs and five T20Is from 2011 to 2015. He last played an international match back in 2015 against Zimbabwe.
On the other hand, Ehsan represented Pakistan in three Tests and six ODIs. He also played for Pakistan in ICC World Cup 2015.
Sami Aslam, who left Pakistan for the USA to seek cricket career there, will represent Texas Super Kings. Zia Shahzad, who played first-class cricket in Pakistan, will accompany his compatriot in the Kings' team.
Young Pakistani cricketer Saif Badar, who also featured in Pakistan Super League (PSL), will play for Los Angeles Knight Riders.
Two other Pakistani cricketers — Saad Ali and Mukhtar Ahmed - will represent Washington Freedom in the event.
As many as six franchises are taking part in this tournament. IPL franchise Mumbai Indians bought MI New York team whereas Shahrukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders have Los Angeles Knight Riders in MLC. Chennai Super Kings also have their franchise Texas Super Kings in the league. The other franchises include Washington Freedom, San Francisco Unicorns and Seattle Orcas.
The tournament will be played from July 14 to 31 in Dallas, Texas, and Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina.
- Imad Wasim