King of spin! (From Asian Image)

King of spin!

1:00am Tuesday 20th December 2011 in Sport By Asian Image reporter

He may be in his sixties but this pensioner is still managing to leave many a batsmen stumped!

Ahmed Mansoor has taken over 1000 wickets in a career spanning over 40 years. And he has even bowled 25 over sessions whilst fasting during Ramadhan!

This month he won the best bowling averages trophy for Preston CC at the Fylde Cricket League presentation night.

“I just like to play cricket and will keep going for as long as I can. “ He told Asian Image.

Leg-spinner Mansoor, who plays for Preston CC’s third XI, also picked up a trophy for the best individual performance for his match-winning figures of 9-16 against Ingol second XI on May 1.

Five of his victims were clean bowled, with the other four going leg before. And he also managed to clinch a hat-trick!

He has turned out for St Annes, Leyland and played in the Northern League over the years. “I have already got people ringing me to play next year. When I am bowling, I like to give the least amount of runs away as possible.”

This season he bowled 98 overs of which 40 were maidens bagging 29 wickets giving him an average of 5.69.

In 1999 Mansoor made the headlines when he took 10 wickets in a match off his 22 overs. And once he smashed 49 runs in 11 balls to help Preston to a win.

“Even during Ramadhan I carry on playing with a fast. It doesn’t bother me that much. As long as one prays and reads the Quran anything is possible in life.”

Mansoor, who hails from Olpad, Surat, began his cricketing career in the sixties and was on the verge of playing for the Indian national team.

“I was selected for the squad for the Ranjiv trophy against New Zealand in 1967 but then war broke out between in the sub-Asian continent and the tournament was cancelled.”

“I never did get another chance again to prove myself.”

Mansoor came to England in 1979, “When I first arrived in this country, I played for Holy Family in Southport. Then I moved to Southport and Birkdale, before joining Preston in 1982.

“Between 2000 and 2005 I was at Leyland, and, since 2005, I’ve been back at Preston.”

He was a also a keen athlete, table-tennis player and kabbadi player in his day.

And what does he warrant his healthy lifestyle too?

“Well, I have perfect vision. Don’t smoke and never have. I don’t eat any special foods of any sort. The usual dhal chawal (curry and rice) is enough for me.”