India’s star test player who played first class test cricket , ODI’s (one day international) and IPL , played for the West Zone in the Duleep Trophy and Gujarat, Mumbai cricket team and Maharashtra cricket team. Munaf Patel a very humble personality from Bharuch district of Gujarat, widely hailed for his magical bowling spell record of 7/97 in the first-class test cricket is making his maiden visit to Chicago and said he is looking forward to meeting Chicago youth to further help nurture the game spirit of cricket among them in Chicago-land area . Munaf known to his fans as “Munna” was rewarded with his selection in the Indian Test Squad for the 2nd Test against England in Mohali, when he made his Test debut. Munna recorded the figures of 7/97 on debut, including 4/25 in the second innings and demonstrated an ability to swing the ball in both directions.
In the 2005–2006 Test Series against West Indies, Munaf proved he was arguably the fastest bowler in India, bowling regularly at speeds of over 85 miles per hour (137 km/h) and has produced balls at a pace over the 90 miles per hour (140 km/h) mark.However, more impressive than his ability to bowl at a very quick pace has been his control, a skill lacking in recent Indian fast bowlers.
India’s Star Test /ODI/ IPL Cricketer Munaf Patel will formally inaugurate UCCA Cricket Tournament on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 11:00am in Dee Park located at 9229 W. Emerson in Des Plaines, IL.This annual cricket tournament is hosted by UCCA leadership team consisting of Keerthi Ravoori, Vasanth Charles, Raju Pasumarthi, Emanuel Neela, Shirley Kalvakota, D.Satish and N. Praveen
Munaf Patel will throw the ceremonial first ball to kick-off a spirited cricket tournament hosted by United Christian Cultural Association [UCCA] who has been hosting the Annual Cricket Tournament for youth of all faiths for the last two years to actively promote the game of Cricket..
Prominent community figure Iftekhar Shareef is facilitating the visit of star cricketer Munaf Patel to inspire cricketing zeal among the youth. Iftekhar Shareef who has earlier brought several India’s leading cricketers to Chicago including former Indian Captain Mohd. Azharuddin & other key Ranji Trophy players said in a statement that the primary goal of ushering Munaf Patel to the tournament is to inspire cricket among the south Asian youth and to help promote their innate cricket talent.
Earlier, on Tuesday, May 20, 2015, Iftekhar Shareef arranged Munaf Patel to call on Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed with whom he exchanged pleasantries which was followed by a Luncheon hosted in his honor at Indian Garden Restaurant in Chicago downtown.