Chand to be first Indian male to play in Australia's T20 BBL

SYDNEY - Unmukt Chand is to be the first Indian

male cricketer to play in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) after the batter
signed for the 2021-2022 season which begins next month.

   The 28-year-old former Indian Premier League player will join the
Melbourne Renegades for the Twenty20 competition, the club announced
Thursday.

   "It's great to have Unmukt on board and we're looking forward to seeing
what he can do as a Renegade," said club manager James Rosengarten. "He makes
history as the first Indian player in the BBL, which is exciting for our
club, our fans and the competition."

   Chand has represented three IPL franchises during his career -- Delhi
Daredevils, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals -- and also captained India A
and India U19.

   Coach David Saker said Chand would bring a wealth of cricket experience to
the Renegades.

   "As a batter, Unmukt is dynamic and can change games quickly," Saker said.

   "He has spent much of his career at the top of the order, but we believe
he has the flexibility to fill a variety of roles as we need."

   While Indian women's players are allowed to play in overseas domestic
leagues, the country's male international and domestic players are barred
from doing so.

   Chand retired from Indian cricket earlier this year and has since been
playing in the United States with the Silicon Valley Strikers.

   He said the Australia move was an opportunity to play some good cricket --
and hopefully in front of Indian supporters.

   "I know for a fact there are lots of Indians in Melbourne, so it's going
to be nice, and I hope the crowds turn up for games as well," he said.

   "I really look forward to contributing as much as I can on the field. I'll give it my best shot."BSS/AFP