IPL 2020: Ali Khan has becomes first American cricketer to join IPL, to play for KKR
For the primary time in history, the IPL will see participation by an American cricketer after Kolkata Knight Riders signed Ali Khan, a 29-year-old fast bowler from the USA, a report in ESPNcricinfo states. He will replace the injured Harry Gurney, who pulled out of the IPL and is about to undergo a shoulder injury.
Khan was a part of the Trinbago Knight Riders’ squad which remained unbeaten on the way to their CPL title win. within the tournament, Khan picked up eight wickets from eight matches with an economy rate of seven .43. As per reports, Khan was on KKR’s radar last season also but no deal might be figured out .
Khan rose to prominence during the 2018 Global T20 Canada, where he caught the eye of star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who brought the youngster to the CPL. That year, Khan picked up 16 wickets from 12 matches for Guyana Amazon Warriors, the second-most by a quick bowler within the season. Bravo, in one among his Instagram stories, posted a video with Khan, Brendon McCullum and a couple of more inside an idea with the caption “Next stop Dubai.”
Khan was selected during a USA squad for the primary time for the 2016 Auty Cup and ICC WCL Division Four in l. a. . On his CPL debut, Khan dismissed Kumar Sangakkara together with his first delivery. Back in December 2019, in an interview, Ali, who had registered for the IPL auction, had said getting picked within the IPL would be sort of a ‘dream come true’.
“First of all, it’s an excellent honour to be the sole USA player within the draft,” he had told Sportstar. i used to be within the auction last year but wasn’t picked, which was tough as i assumed my chances were pretty good. This year, if i buy 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.”
