Bangladesh seam bowler, Arafat Bhuiyan became the seventh graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy to sign a professional contract with Kent for the remaining County Championship 2023.
For the unversed, Bhuiyan was born in Dhaka but he has UK residency & has scalped 17 wickets for Kent’s second Playing XI, including best figures of 4-81 against Hampshire earlier in May. He made hsi first-class debut in Kent’s ongoing fixture against Surrey at the Kia Ovin addition to this he also plays club cricket in the Kent Premier League for Blackheath & has featured for Surrey, Essex & Derbyshire’s Second XIs in the past six years. Arafat also has stints with MCC’s Young Cricketers in 2019 & SACA in 2023.
“I’m over the moon to have signed for Kent,” Bhuiyan said. “It’s a dream come true to become a professional cricketer and I feel all my hard work has paid off.
“I’m grateful to Kent, especially Second XI Coach Mark Dekker, for the faith they have shown in me, and hope I can perform well if given the opportunity.”
Bhuiyan further highlighted the fact that he moved to Birmingham to participate in SACA’s winter Programme & credited his experience in SACA for fast-tracking his professional goals.
“Would like to thank Dr Tom for giving me the opportunity to train,” said Arafat Bhuiyan
“I would also like to thank Dr. Tom Brown from SACA for giving me the opportunity to train and for accommodating me during the Winter in Birmingham,” he said. “I can’t speak highly enough about the amount of work he is putting into this program.”
Kent’s Director of Cricket, Paul Downton, added: “Arafat comes highly recommended by our pathway coaches and has impressed with his pace and control with the ball for us this year. He brings much-needed depth to our bowling attack as we head into a busy period of the season.”
Whether Arafat would be able to prove his worth & do wonders for Kent in the ongoing season of the County Championship or would struggle to contribute to Kent’s winning cause is what will be known as the Championship progresses further. Meanwhile, Kent will next face champions & leader Surrey in LV= Insurance County Championship Division 1, beginning from 18th May at the Kia Oval.
