India’s all-rounder Yusuf Pathan has become the first male Indian cricketer to sign for an overseas franchise-based T20 league. Pathan has signed to play in the Hong Kong League, which is scheduled to be held from March 8-12. Pathan, who hasn’t played international cricket for India in a very long time, plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and this will be an ideal preparation for him before the start of the tenth season of IPL.
Pathan thanked Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) for giving him this opportunity and said he is very excited to be a part of the T20 tournament. He also added that Hong Kong League will be an ideal preparation for the IPL.
“I firstly want to thank the BCCI and BCA for giving me the NOC. I am really excited about this venture and I think it will be good preparation for the IPL. That is why I signed for it,” Yusuf, who plays for KKR in the IPL, said.
Talking about other international cricketers playing in the tournament, Yusuf said that he doesn’t know of the names yet but he has been told that there are some big names involved in Hong Kong League.
“To be honest, I don’t know much about players taking part but I have heard there are some big names involved. I am looking forward to meeting them and get maximum out of the tournament,” Yusuf said.
