Shadab Khan shares feeling of Pakistan-India players reuniting in MLC

Pakistan's all-rounder Shadab Khan feels excited to train alongside Indian players in the United States of America (USA)'s first-ever franchise cricket tournament - Major League Cricket (MLC). 

Shadab, who will represent San Francisco Unicorns alongside compatriot Haris Rauf, is accompanied by India's Tajinder Singh and Chaitanya Bishnoi. These players represent teams in India's domestic cricket. 

"Before Pakistan and India were separated, the players used to play together. It feels amazing to reunite with our Indian brothers in this tournament. It is a very good opportunity to bridge the differences," said Shadab. 

"We feel the same when we meet, like our culture, languages are very much similar. It feels different when we meet and speak Punjabi. We did the training session together and it went so well," he added. 

Shadab and Haris will be seen in action tomorrow when their team takes on Mumbai Indian (MI) New York in their first match. MI New York also have Pakistan's Hammad Azam and Ehsan Adil. 

Left-arm all-rounder Imad Wasim and wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan will represent Seattle Orcas.

Sami Aslam, who left Pakistan for the USA to seek cricket career there, has been picked up by 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), is representing Los Angeles Knight Riders.

Two other Pakistani cricketers - Saad Ali and Mukhtar Ahmed - will represent Washington Freedom. 

MLC is backed by massive investment from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises.

Four out of six teams are owned by IPL franchises. IPL franchise Mumbai Indians bought MI New York team whereas Kolkata Knight Riders have Los Angeles Knight Riders. Chennai Super Kings also have their franchise Texas Super Kings in the league. Delhi Capitals' owners share ownership of Seattle Orcas.