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Indian Premier League

Experience was more important than money - Razzak

Cricinfo staff

May 31, 2008

	Abdur Razzak: "Anil [Kumble] was very helpful when I asked him about bowling in Test matches" © Getty Images

Bangladesh left-arm spinner, Abdur Razzak, has said that "gaining experience" during the Indian Premier League was "more important than the money" he earned with the Bangalore Royal Challengers.

Bought by the franchise for $50,000, Razzak was Bangladesh's sole representative at the IPL but he got to play only one match, against Rajasthan Royals, and conceded 29 runs off two overs without taking a wicket. Razzak, however, said that he learned a lot by spending time with experienced international players.

"I have always known players like [Rahul] David, [Anil] Kumble and [Jacques] Kallis as opponents but having worked with them, I saw their attitude towards cricket and how mentally tough they are," Razzak told the Daily Star. "Now I know how they play and how they approach cricket. Although there was no special rapport, all my team-mates were simply fantastic towards me and I loved every moment of it although I didn't get to play much.

"Anil was very helpful when I asked him about bowling in Test matches. He told me that given my bowling approach, it is very important to use variations within my line and length. Actually, captains would want a breakthrough from me so without using variations, wickets are hard to come by. Coach Venkatesh Prasad was also a great help."

His stint with Bangalore, however, made Razzak miss the Premier Cricket Super League for Mohammedan Sporting Club. "I missed the Dhaka league and I also didn't have too much to do in India so it was quite boring at times."

Razzak will begin practice at the SBNS Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday and will play two practice games on June 3 and 5 ahead of the tri-series involving Bangladesh, India and Paksitan.

© Cricinfo