BCCI approves the first ever male player to play abroad
Internet Desk: Kolkata Knight Riders power-hitter Yusuf Pathan have signed for Hong Kong T-20 Blitz based side Kowloon Cantons.
Yusuf is the first male cricketer from India, who got the NOC to play in a foreign T-20 league.
Earlier the parent body of Indian cricket BCCI had never allowed any of their contracted players to represent any franchise outside of the IPL.
“This is amazing an news and we are very appreciative of the BCCI in granting this NOC [Non Objection Certificate] – a world first for them to allow a current player to take part in a T20 league outside of India,” said Cricket Hong Kong chief executive Tim Cutler. “This will go a long way to help the development of the sport in the region and with even more stars still to be announced this is shaping up to be a superb tournament that will be enjoyed by millions across the world.
“The tireless work of the Cantons should also be acknowledged. Without the tenacity of [Cantons CEO] Urvashi Sethi-Sodhi this simply would not have happened and it is great to see the Cantons again lifting the event to greater heights with their hard work.”
Except Yousuf Pathan his team Cantons feature star players like Shahid Afridi, Tymal Mills, Calum MacLeod and several other Hong Kong international players.
He started his IPL career for Rajasthan Royals in 2008, where he scored a record 435 runs with four fifties at a strike-rate of 179. He recorded the fastest fifty of the IPL’s first season – off 21 balls against Deccan Chargers – and his dazzling all-round show in the final was instrumental in Royals’ triumph.
“I am very excited about being a part of the Kowloon Cantons family for the T20 in Hong Kong. It will be a good practice for me ahead of the IPL season-10” said Pathan.
Few years ago Yousuf was only known for his destructive batting, but he was not consistent for his side. But now he has changed his game a lot. On being asked about his transformation the Baroda batsman added,” I have changed my game a lot in last two seasons. You have seen in last two seasons I had spent a lot of time in the crease and played the role of a sheet-anchor for my side and I want to do the same thing in this season too.”
KKR skipper Goutam Gambhir said on Friday that he wants to win his third IPL trophy for his franchise. Yusuf Pathan has backed his skipper’s words.”Last year we had started well but unfortunately lost to defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad but this year we will try to do better. I had won three IPL previously, one with Rajasthan Royals and won two for my present side Kolkata Knight Riders. My aim will be to win my fourth IPL title and third with KKR.”
Recently Yusuf was not picked for West Zone in the All India Zonal Mushtaq Ali T-20 tournament by the selectors. On being asked about the matter he added,” I have no regret for not getting a chance in the West Zone side. I led West Zone in lot of tournaments and won a lot of matches for my side. I don’t know why the selectors hadn’t chosen me but I want to show those people what Yusuf Pathan is capable of and my prime objective is to play well in the upcoming tournaments.”
Sethi said the franchise worked hard to convince the BCCI to release one of their players and Pathan’s presence will help to boost cricket in Hong Kong.
“We are delighted that a player from India is joining our team. We believe that it is our love for the game and commitment to its development in Hong Kong that has enabled us to get one of the best players of this format of the game,” she said.
“An international player and in particular an Indian one attracts world attention which is good for our local cricketers. They now have the opportunity to showcase their talent to a larger audience.”