VIDARBHA’S most successful skipper Faiz Fazal has once again signed on the dotted lines to play for Lisburn as their overseas professional for the 2021 season. The elegant southpaw opener confirmed the development. “Yes, I signed the contract papers yesterday. The season there starts by mid April and by that time most of our domestic assignments are over. And, moreover, if any issue crops up during that time, I will take a call then,” said the soft-spoken Faiz while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ on Wednesday. After Maharashtra State and local body Nagpur Municipal Corporation relaxed lockdown norms and allowed cricketers to take part in restricted activities, Vidarbha players are concentrating mostly on fitness.

 

“We are taking to the field only for fitness presently as full-fledged activities have still not resumed. presently there is only one session of training. We are looking forward to more action,” added Faiz, who has led Vidarbha to two back to back Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup triumphs. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was no cricketing activity this summer (2020) in Lisburn — a city in Northern Ireland that is part of the Belfast Metropolitan Area. Faiz had an excellent half season with the Irish team in 2019. The 35-year-old played for newly-promoted Lisburn where he hit 608 runs in 12 innings at an average of 55.27, which included a high score of 139 against Bready in the Irish Senior Cup. Faiz, who scored 55* in his sole ODI appearance against Zimbabwe in June 2016, has committed to another season in the NCU Premier League after impressing in 2019.

 

He also made an impact with the ball, collecting 14 wickets as he helped the Wallace Park side pick up three victories from their opening six league fixtures. Faiz departed Northern Ireland early after he was called back to India for domestic cricket and, as any team would without their overseas professional, Lisburn struggled for the remainder of the campaign and narrowly avoided relegation back to Section One. The all-rounder has played in 125 First-Class matches in which he has batted 214 times. The opener brings a wealth of experience to Lisburn and has scored 8404 runs, which remarkably includes 21 centuries and 37 fifties, at an average of 41.39. He also brings leadership qualities due to his position as captain of home side Vidarbha, scoring 151 in the final game before lockdown early in the year.