Irfan Pathan becomes first Indian to sign up for CPL players’ draft

Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has become the first player to sign up for the players’ draft of the 2019 Caribbean Premier League. If Pathan is picked up by any of the six franchises, he will become the first Indian to play in an overseas T20 league. Pathan’s participation in the league will be subject to clearance from the BCCI though, as he will first have to obtain a NOC from the board. The 34-year-old all-rounder last played in the IPL two years ago, turning up for the Gujarat Lions. He recently played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy for Jammu and Kashmir, picking up 4 wickets in 5 matches.

A total of 536 players from 20 countries have put their names forward in the drafts. Some of the biggest names in international cricket like Rashid Khan, Jofra Archer, Alex Hales, JP Duminy and Shakib al Hasan have all enlisted their names for the drafts. The tournament is scheduled to take place between September 4 and October 12.

Speaking on the number of quality players wanting to play in the CPL, Michael Hall, Operations Director of the tournament said:

“The fact that so many players have registered for our draft is a testament to the stature of our league. Playing cricket in the Caribbean is something that all players look forward to, and the CPL combines that allure with a high standard of cricket. We expect that this year’s tournament will be no different.”

Each of the six franchises can retain or acquire up to a maximum of six players, but it isn’t obligatory. They can retain up to a minimum of 3 and maximum of 4 West Indian players. They can also retain a maximum of one overseas player, which will be reduced to none if they have retained four Caribbean players. They can also retain or sign one marquee player. Trinbago Knight Riders, owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be the defending champions heading into the 2019 edition.