Cricket: Player's CV reads like a travelogue

"It has been a goal to play in Australia or New Zealand, so [playing for Otago] is like a dream come true."

The 27-year-old Pakistan all-rounder has played for a plethora of sides including two countries: Pakistan, of course, and Scotland - yes, Scotland.

More on that later.

He has also played for county sides Kent and Sussex as well as Rawalpindi, Khan Research Labs, Redco Pakistan Ltd and Pakistan Reserves, and now he is poised to add Otago to the list.

Arafat has signed to play for the Volts in the one-day and twenty/20 tournaments and is looking forward to spending the summer in New Zealand.

His experiences in Scotland will no doubt help him adjust to Dunedin's more temperate climate.

"I've been playing overseas for nine or 10 years in England and this is going to be a good experience," Arafat said.

"It has been a goal to play in Australia or New Zealand, so this is like a dream come true."

But first there is a test series to prepare for.

Shortly after signing for Otago, Arafat was named in the Pakistan team and is in Queenstown with the tourists, playing in a warm-up match against a New Zealand Invitation side.

It is his first trip to our shores, and he took an immediate liking to pitch conditions, taking two for 21 from 10 overs.

"We looked at the pitch and were shocked. We never play on a pitch like that in Pakistan with so much grass on it. But it played very well," he said.

Still, there must be the odd green seamer in Pakistan, because Arafat is one of only three cricketers to take five wickets in six deliveries.

The memory brings a huge smile to his face.

"I was playing for my Rawalpindi team and I took four wickets in five balls in the first innings and got a wicket on the first ball in the next innings."

Arafat has had limited opportunities with Pakistan, with just three test appearances.

But he has fashioned a good first-class record and is expected to star for Otago.

In 159 matches he has scored 5533 runs at 26.85 and taken 638 wickets at 24.04.

With pace bowlers Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamer and Abdur Rauf in the squad, he might struggle to make the side.

It would depend on whether Pakistan went with four fast bowlers or three seamers and a spinner, he said.

The first test is in Dunedin on Tuesday and the University Oval has traditionally been seamer-friendly, so that should enhance his prospects.

The Pakistan team has been feeling the cold during the past two days in Queenstown and is sure to find the conditions in Dunedin challenging.

For Arafat, though, it will be a reminder of his days in Scotland.

Arafat played two seasons for Scotland in a domestic county tournament, where he took over from Indian star Rahul Dravid as the overseas professional.

"It was very cold and always raining. I think it is going to be the same over here."