Khan Ready for Fiji Return

If Fiji was factoring in omens for their first tournament in July then the inclusion of fast bowler Imran Khan is a good one.

The last time the 27-year-old played for the national side they reached the final of and ICC tournament that included some of the top associate cricketing countries in the world.

This was some six years ago though and Fiji's fortunes have dimmed somewhat in the meantime, but Khan is back and is determined to help restore the side to its former glory.

"I am really excited and I'm looking forward to the opportunity of helping Fiji win many games in the near future," Khan said, speaking from California in the United States where he has been living for the last few years.

"I have kept in regular contact with both the coach and captain Jo Rika, through facebook and email, and I am looking forward to playing alongside them in PNG this year."

"I will be doing my best to make myself available for as many tours as possible as cricket is my number one passion. It all depends on when they are and gaining approved leave from work."

Khan works as a teacher in the city of Newark, but will fly into Fiji a few days before the team departs on July 1 to head to the East Asia Pacific Division 1 tournament in Port Morseby.

He is currently playing in one of the biggest cricket leagues in California where his team were national champions last season and the season has just resumed after winter.

"Right now I am getting into a good groove in cricket over here, just looking for consistency and the rest will sort itself out. The season is just over a month old over here and regular cricket is taking place both on the club level and representative level," Khan said.

"The standard of cricket is quite good, not as high as Australia, but extremely competitive."

"There are many quality cricketers who have migrated over from India and Pakistan to form quality leagues."

Khan has already played alongside many of the key players in the Fiji team including former captain Waisake Tukaha, in-form batsman Sekove Ravoka, fellow quick Kiti Tavo and all rounder Jikoi Kida who has just turned from the army.

Fiji coach Steve Jenkin said he was excited to hear Khan would be available for selection this year.

"We're hoping he reproduces the form from his last tournament for Fiji and also his efforts last season in the US competition."

"It gives us two left-arm quicks in the team which will be a variation to most teams in the tournament."