RAFEY KAZI – MEMORIAL CRICKET CLUB 1^st XI CAPTAIN : 2006
By Michael J. Greathead

(With so many teams in the Houston Cricket League and the introduction of new teams and players it is difficult to keep track of players who have been part of HCL for the past so many years. Houston Cougars Cricket club with the help of other clubs, will make an effort to highlight accomplishments of these players. This week, it's the turn of MCC batsman Rafey Kazi)

Rafey joined Memorial Cricket Club in 1994 when his former club, ISGH was disbanded. He quickly established himself as one of the leading players of the club and his outstanding batting culminated in his selection for the USA national team. He played against Sri Lanka in LA for the USA team as well as touring Barbados with the USA team. Rafey has played for many years for the Central Zone and has captained the Houston team and then later the zone team on a number of occasions.

Rafey has been appointed 1^st XI captain of MCC on 2 occasions during his 13 years with the club – firstly in 1999 and more recently when he became the permanent 1^st XI captain in 2005. In that same year he led MCC to the HCL Championship for the first time since 1993. Rafey continues as MCC 1^st XI captain in 2006.

Rafey is a right-handed batsman who is one of the finest stroke players in the HCL and he has a proud record as one of the top batsman, in not only in the HCL but at the zonal level as well. His leadership both on and off the field for MCC and his overall contribution to cricket in Houston has been outstanding.

Rafey has played his cricket throughout his time in Houston at the highest level of sportsmanship and camaraderie – he is a tribute to the game of cricket.