Cricket: Safy Sharif is a wanted man after club’s demotion

SALTIRES player Safy Sharif is a transfer target after Dunfermline’s demotion to the East League.

Sharif, who burst on to the international stage last season, is wanted by clubs in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Former Dunfermline Knights coach Kevin McLaren believes the young all-rounder could walk into any team in the country. McLaren will also be on the move after the McKane Park club were kicked out of the Conference for making illegal payments.

McLaren said: “I think a few players will be leaving Dunfermline as a result of what happened but I know Safy in particular is wanted by a few big clubs.

“He is very ambitious and is still keen to improve his game so there would be no value to him in playing in the East League.

“Safy can bat and bowl and will be an asset to any club.”

Sharif, who joined the Knights from Largo three years ago, was the seventh highest scorer in the top flight of the SNCL last season with 426 runs at an average of 33.

The 20-year-old, who took 4-27 on his ODI debut in June, also claimed 18 wickets.

Heriot’s, Grange, Clydesdale and Uddingston are all thought to be interested in securing Sharif’s signature.

Meanwhile, McLaren, who will join an Eastern Conference side, also expects Dunfermline’s leading wicket-taker Aamir Shahzad to find a new club.