Kathmandu, December 11

Chitwan Tigers named Prithu Baskota as the skipper of the team for the TVS Everest Premier League, a premier Twenty20 cricket tournament, slated for December 18-30 at the Tribhuvan University Stadium.

Baskota was handed the responsibility because of his experience in the youth and national teams, announced Tigers’ President Kishor Bhattarai at a press meet today. Baskota, as a skipper, has won the titles of the ACC U-15 Cup in 2006 and ACC U-17 Elite Cup in 2009 before leading the youth team in the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2012.

Bhattarai informed that the team management wanted to give the responsibility of captaincy to a foreign player but the three Indian players, who have featured in the Indian Premier League in previous seasons, were not certain to join the squad because of No Objection letter issues. As per the EPL rules, all he participating teams need to have three foreign players in their 15-member squads.

“I had gone to India and was about to sign prominent cricketers but that could not happen due to NOC related issues. We are in touch with other players and we will reveal their names a couple of days before the tournament,” said Bhattarai, who, informed that Indian cricketers who are to feature in the upcoming season of IPL will join the Tigers.

Tigers have appointed Kalam Ali and Dipendra Chaudhary as coaches, while Subash Khakurel, who was replaced by Anil Kumar Mandal after he pulled out due to injuries, will be the manager.

Similarly, former footballer Deepak Karki has been handed the responsibility of operation head of the team.

Bhattarai said that the team had decided to include Gautam KC, one of the two players picked up through talent hunt programme, will be in the 15-member squad. “KC will train with other team members and get all the facilities,” said Bhattarai. He also informed that KC and Akash Thapa, another cricketer selected from talent hunt, will get Rs 25,000 each.

Meanwhile, skipper Baskota said his side’s main target would be play good cricket. “Our side comprises young guns and they are getting into shape. Our aim is to play best cricket and at the end finish on top,” said Baskota. Baskota also said that team’s young players would get opportunity to learn from foreign cricketers.

Similarly, coach Ali also said his side was good and balanced one and that he would not rate any team. “The matches will be won by the team which put up best effort on a particular day,” said Ali. President Bhattarai, coach Ali, skipper Baskota, manager Khakurel and operation head Karki also unveiled the jersey of the team’s social partner, Lions Club International MD325.

A total of six teams — Kathmandu Kings XI, Lalitpur Patriots, Biratnagar Warriors, Bhairahawa Gladiators, Pokhara Rhinos and Chitwan Tigers — will take part in the event organised by EPL Pvt Ltd under the sponsorship of Jagadamba Motors Pvt Ltd. The winners will be richer by Rs 2.1 million.