IPL 2020: Ali Khan becomes first American player to join IPL, to play for KKR


IPL 2020: Ali Khan becomes first American player to join IPL, to play for KKR

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Kolkata Knight Riders replaces Harry Gurney with fast bowler Ali Khan from USA

Former champions Kolkata Knight Riders have replaced Harry Gurney with fast bowler Ali Khan from USA for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, a report in ESPNcricinfo states. The first time in tournament history, an American cricketer will be seen playing for the team.

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Khan was seen playing for the Trinbago Knight’s troop who won the 2020 CPL title. In the tournament, Khan picked 8 wickets in 8 matches with an economy rate of 7.43.

The 29-year-old’s a big break in T20 cricket came after he was sighted by the star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo at the 2018 Global T20 Canada. That year, the youngster picked 16 wickets in 12 matches for Guyana Amazon Warriors which was the second most by the pacer in the season.

Bravo, in one of his Instagram stories, posted a video with Khan, Brendon McCullum and a few more inside a plan with the caption “Next stop Dubai.”

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It’d be a dream come true: Ali Khan

Ali Khan

Khan, on his CPL debut, dismissed Kumar Sangakkara with his first delivery. Ali was listed for the IPL auction in the year 2019. In an interview, said that getting selected in the IPL would be like a ‘dream come true’.

“First of all, it’s a great honour to be the only USA player in the draft,” he had told Sportstar.

I was in the auction last year but wasn’t picked, which was tough as I thought my chances were pretty good. This year, if I get picked, it’ll be something of a bonus. Since I started playing seriously, the IPL has been the one I’ve targeted. It’d be a dream come true,” he added.

Also read: IPL 2020: England and Australia players to be part of KKR’s first match, says Venky Mysore

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