In our stars of ECL series, we feature 21-year-old Abdul-Shakoor Rahimzei of Germany’s T20 champions FCA 04 United Stars Cricket Club Darmstadt.
Featured recently in an in-depth BBC Sport article on German cricket, which included ECL Founder Daniel Weston, Abdul-Shakoor Rahimzei saw the Germany U19 side home to victory against the famous Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 2017. Needing 21 to win, Abdul-Shakoor blasted a barrage of boundaries to win a titanic battle with a ball to spare.
Hopes were high Darmstadt could have gone one better than last year’s German representatives SG Findorff, who reached the final of the 2019 European Cricket League before succumbing to “Kings of Europe” V.O.C. Rotterdam. However, Darmstadt’s European Cricket League title hopes were dashed following the postponement of ECL20 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
How much of a disappointment was the postponement of ECL20??
It was a huge disappointment personally. Last season, I moved from Nurnberg to Darmstadt and we managed to win the German T20 competition which qualified us for ECL20. We were all hoping to carry the flag for Germany and perhaps improve on SG Findorff’s performances at ECL19.
How has your life changed since covid19 crisis?
It’s changed a lot. The main difference I basically always have to wear a mask at work. I would never have imagined that the whole world would become so scared to meet each other.
What’s the toughest part of the current covid19 crisis for you?
The hardest part is not being able to play any cricket at all.
Positively, what is the best part? If any?!
The best part is having lots more time for family.
Who or what is your greatest inspiration at this time?
The Turkish TV drama “Ertughul”
What do you do more of these days?
I am still working Monday to Fridays in the construction industry, but obviously we all have to wear a mask. At the weekends, I spent a lot of time surfing the internet, looking at cricket YouTube videos for example.
What would be your dream FIRST game back after the fight has been won against covid19?
To be honest, just any game of real cricket would be great right now.
What was the highlight of your cricketing career?
Winning against the MCC, playing for Germany u19 side.
Becoming Germany T20 champions with Darmstadt and qualifying for ECL.
My last innings in March this year for Germany against Spain, where I top scored with 59.
The fastest bowler you've faced?
Most recently, Germany and Afghanistan fast bowler Izatullah Dawlatzai of KSV
Who is the best batsman you've played with?
Musadiq of KSV and Daniel Weston
