On behalf of KheloPakistan.com, Imran Asghar met Netherlands all-rounder Mudassar Bukhari. Mudassar is 28 years of age and first represented the Dutch National side in July 2007. He has a fantastic record of never missing a single game for his team since his debut. Mudassar spoke about his love for the game, his experiences and what he wants to do in the future.
KheloPakistan.com was introduced to Mudassar by Sunny Sheikh, who is a Holland based Pakistan cricket analyst; our heartfelt appreciation to him.
Imran Asghar: First of all would like to thank you for your time, Mudassar. Where and where did your interest in cricket come from?
Mudassar Bukhari: I was born in Pakistan. Naturally every kid in Pakistan follows cricket and plays it in the streets. I used to play tape ball cricket back home in Pakistan.
IA: Who was your cricketing inspiration as a young person growing up?
MB: I was in Pakistan and when you play tape ball cricket you look to hit sixes. So when you talk of sixes it has to be Afridi.
IA: Quite surprising; your 28 and your hero was Afridi who is only a mere 4 years your senior?
MB: I didn’t start playing hard ball cricket until I was 16. So as a child it was Afridi. Though yes, I’m a massive fan of Kallis. He like me is an all-rounder and someone who can inspire you.
IA: You just said you was born in Pakistan, so how did you go on to play for the Netherlands?
MB: My father used to live here in the Netherlands. He used to work here, when I was 15 he got the Visa to bring the family to stay with him. I came here then.
IA: How did you progress through the ranks in Netherlands? As we all know it is a minority sport there, what was the route forward?
MB: As I said I came here aged 15. I was studying and playing tape ball cricket with friends when I got time. Then I got selected for a tournament; people were saying ‘He has come from Pakistan and can play a little bit’. In that tournament we played against the Netherlands National team and I scored 124. I also bowled well in that game and got a few wickets. After the game the National coach came to me and asked me to come for trials; it all progressed from there.
IA: OK brilliant; you scored 124 in that game and are a opening bowler too. Which one do you enjoy more?
MB: For the Dutch team I’m playing as an all-rounder. I open the bowling and bat low down the order at around 7. I have scored runs for the Dutch side and want to continue to do so. I believe I have the capabilities to bat higher up the order. About what I enjoy doing; I love doing both. I love being involved in the game, whether bowling or batting. I want to help my team; I actually enjoy playing when it’s a pressure situation; it brings the best out of me.
IA: You played the World Cup in 2011, and lost every game. There were a couple of tight games, how was the experience?
MB: Yes we lost a couple of tight games. The experience of playing in India was great; also playing against that standard of teams can only help a player develop his game. As long as you have given 100% you have to be satisfied with your game. We came back last year and took the experience of the World Cup by showing a good performance in the County CB40. That now helped us being top of the league table this year winning 4 out of 5 games.
IA: The Netherlands didn’t qualify for the World T20 Championships, how big a blow was this?
MB: Yes we lost in the semi-final stages but you have to move on. We are now playing the CB40s in County cricket. We have won 4 out of 5 games which shows we are improving every day. Also we have look forward to the 50 overs World Cup in 2015 and keep progressing; we are now trying to improve to qualify for that and make progress to the late stages of the CB40s.
IA: Is the standard of cricket within the non-Test playing nations improving?
MB: Yes definitely. The ICC is helping them a lot and have designed programs. These programs have helped the cricket in Netherlands very much. This has allowed us to play more cricket and also against better opposition. Right now playing the CB40 is helping, the quality and standard is good.
IA: You played alongside a seasoned campaigner like Dirk Nannes for some time for the Netherlands. He later on went to play for Australia and has played T20 cricket around the World. How was this experience?
MB: Yes it did help, he was experienced player. Though when talking of talent Ryan ten Doeschate is a much better player. Ryan is someone who you would want to follow. Ryan had to work very hard to progress; he was virtually nothing and now can be argued to be the best Dutch player of all time. He is playing around the World and earning good money.
IA: Is the standard of youngsters improving with the Netherlands?
MB: Yes it is. The NCB has got a good youth program and couple that with us playing the last four World Cups, it helps young players to take up the sport and try to represent their country. County teams come over now and play games to find new talent. This obviously helps with the development.
IA: You played against Essex and Lancashire this week, how has the progress been? You did earlier say that your team has won 4 out of 5 games; how has your personal form been?
MB: MashAllah, very good. We have played very well and personally I’m playing good cricket. If you check the BBC rankings I’m placed at number six of the most valuable player.
IA: Have you received any offers to play County Championship cricket from a County team?
MB: No unfortunately not; Though I’m playing really well and hope to continue playing like this and hopefully an offer will come.
IA: How do survive money wise? Do you need a day job when there is no cricket?
MB: No; the Dutch team have three players on professional contracts. I am one of them so get my regular salary. I have played every game for the National side since 2007.
IA: What about the fan following? Has the Dutch public started to take cricket seriously and started to watch it? The Dutch have a passionate support, as we see in Football.
MB: Very much, the youngsters especially come in numbers to watch us play cricket. There is a growing passion for cricket with the country and that is great for cricket within Netherlands.
IA: Just moving on and to your own personal future; Pakistan are planning a Pakistan Premier League later this year with October being stated as a probable date for it. Would that be something that would interest you?
MB: My God, obviously bro. That would one of the biggest opportunities in my career if I got the chance to play in that tournament. That is something that would give me the upmost satisfaction. It’s not just the financial side but playing in Pakistan too.
IA: Playing in the PPL; alongside say Afridi or Hafeez what would it mean?
MB: That would be awesome, a dream. I would like you guys at KheloPakistan to help me trying to give something back to the country of my heritage. I left the country 13 years ago and now have made tremendous progress but that would be the elite.
IA: Mudassar; I been obliged to have spoken to you. Your humbleness and charm has really been won me over. You have done yourself, your parents, Pakistan and the Netherlands proud. May you achieve all your dreams and keep seeing success.
MB: Thanks.
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