Sharjah: UAE skipper Khurram Khan and opening batsman Swapnil Patil were on Monday named in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Intercontinental Cup 2011-13 Team of the Tournament.
The selections, taken from the ICC’s eight leading Associate and Affiliate nations, are led by Ireland’s William Porterfield.
Khan, who topped the tournament’s batting charts with 674 runs, including three centuries and two half-centuries, told Gulf News: “It feels great to be recognised for my performances. It would have been a greater feeling if my performances also helped my team climb higher.
“Although it is not the first time I’ve been included in an ICC team, it means a lot to me. The first time I was included in an ICC team was after playing my first ever ICC tournament in July 2001 in Canada. That year Ahmad Nadeem and myself made it to the ICC team.
“I would love to see more players from my team like Shaimon Anwar, who is the highest run-getter in the 50-over World Cricket League, making it to such teams.”
Patil was chosen as an opener alongside Porterfield, while Khan, who was also in superb form in the recent ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers in the UAE, was selected for the one-drop position.
Patil too expressed delight at the honour, saying: “To be included alongside the top players in an ICC team is a big boost to my confidence. Such recognition can go a long way. I will continue to give my best in all my matches.”
Patil, who is also a fine wicketkeeper, scored 401 runs and was the third leading run-getter of the Intercontinental Cup.
The selection committee that picked the team comprised David Jukes (match referee), Brian Murgatroyd (media representative) and Richard Done (ICC High Performance Manager). The selectors picked 12 players in the following categories: top order batsmen (3), middle-order batsmen (3), wicketkeeper (1), quick bowlers (3) and spin bowlers (2).
