One of the top 5 cricket leagues in the world, Caribbean Premier League sets to return with the 9th season in August. All 6 franchises have announced their squad ahead of the season. Pravin Tambe who became the first Indian to play CPL Cricket last year is missing out from Trinbago Knight Riders’ squad for the 2021 edition. However, another Indian player is making the headlines as Barbados Tridents signed him for the upcoming season.
India’s U19 WC Winner to play CPL Cricket 2021
Smit Patel has become the second Indian player to bag a CPL contract. The wicket-keeper batsman from Gujarat was part of India’s XI which beat Australia in the U19 World Cup 2012 final. Patel had played a key role in India’s win in the final as he had mounted an unbeaten 130-run stand alongside the centurion, Unmukt Chand. The 28-year old had scored 62 runs in the most crucial match of the tournament.
However, despite a good run with the junior team, Smit couldn’t find himself playing the IPL. Being a wicket-keeper, it was hard for him to get picked. Although, his first-class and List-A cricket stats for Gujarat are exceptional. Earlier this year, he represented Krunal Pandya-led Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy.
Smit Patel named in the 17-man Barbados Tridents squad
Now, Smit Patel wants to perform at a higher level. Barbados Tridents drafted the Indian cricketer along with the likes of Chris Morris, Thisara Perera, Mohammad Hafeez. Although, Smit will be a backup for Shai Hope. The Indian wicket-keeper has also signed a contract with the USA’s inaugural Major League Cricket. Jason Holder has been named the captain of the 17-man Tridents squad.
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Faf du Plessis, Anrich Nortje, Mohammad Hafeez, Isuru Udana have also been roped in by the franchises for the CPL Cricket 2021. The 9th season of the league is scheduled to play between August 28 and September 19. Trinbago Knight Riders had won the 2020 season under Kieron Pollard’s captaincy.