Pakistan fast-bowler Wahab Riaz has been recalled for the upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), while youngster Shadab Khan has signed up for the cricket league.
Shadab Khan who was noted for his outstanding performance while playing for Islamabad United during the second edition of the Pakistan Super League has been signed up by the Trinbago Knight Riders for a contract worth 30,000 dollars.
The player draft for the fifth edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was launched in Barbados on Friday joined by cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers.
There was some eye-catching movement across all six franchises as each squad player budget is $750,000. The is a reserved spot for Young West Indies emerging player and fromICC Americas which provides opportunities for young players across the Caribbean and North America.
Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Malik, Sohail Tanvir, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Sami, Kamran Akmal and Imran Khan Jnr. have been retained by their respective franchises.
Wahab Riaz had been called by the Barbados Tridents to supplement their bowling attacks, where he will be joined by Shoaib Malik. Tridents have acquired the high-profile New Zealand batsman Kane Walliamson and see the return of South African all-rounder Wayne Parnell as they bid to win the title last won in 2014. The team will be led by Kieron Pollard.
Sohail Tanvir who was the most consistent performer in the 2016 edition was retained by the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The team also retained several stalwarts including New Zealand’s Martin Guptill and in-form Australian batsman Chris Lynn.
The reigning champions Jamaica Tallawahs have retained Imad Wasim as they aim for their third title. The team has balanced the exuberance of youth with talent including Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
Australian all-rounder Ben Cutting was among the most notable acquisition as he was recruited by St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, while West Indies’ Marlon Samuels has joined the St. Lucia Stars. St. Kitts & Nevis acquired the services of two-time champion Chris Gayle and signed Proteas all-rounder Chris Morris.
There will be an Afghanistan presence for the first time with Mohammad Nabi (St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots) and Rashid Khan (Guyana Amazon Warriors) joining the CPL.
St. Lucia Stars will once again be led by charismatic leader Daren Sammy and will welcome back Pakistan Kamran Akmal, South African batsman David Miller and Australian all-rounder Shane Watson along with Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga for a squad brimming with quality.
Trinbago Knight Riders led by Dwayne Bravo have retained most of last year’s squad including Sunil Narine while the batting will be firmed by Brendon McCullum, who will be joined by fellow Colin Munro and South Africa’s Hashim Amla.
The tournament will be held in six countries acorss the Carribean from June 30 to August 7, 2017.
Thank you all for tuning in to a wonderful #CPLDraft It’s is going to be a bigger and louder #CPL17 Here are the final picks from the draft pic.twitter.com/1QrT20cV1t
— CPL T20 (@CPL) March 10, 2017
