DHANGADHI:  South African cricket legend Jonty Rhodes has been appointed as goodwill ambassador for the third edition of upcoming Dhangadhi Premier League (DPL 2019) cricket tournament, the organisers said in a press statement today.

Also, Rhodes will assume mentor role for CYC Attariya along with Ryan Maron as head coach.

According to DPL Chairman Subash Shahi, Rhodes appointment as goodwill ambassador would draw the attention of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and cricket fraternity around the world and in Nepal.

"ICC has already approved the upcoming tournament."

Six teams--Dhangadhi Stars, Mahendranagar United, CYC Attariya, Biratnagar Kings, Rupendehi Challengers and Kathmandu Goldens, are competing for the coveted trophy, reads the statement.

The tournament will kick-off on February 9 at the Fapla Cricket Ground in Dhangadhi. An estimated project cost is around Rs 50 million, organisers said in the statement.

Rhodes regarded as one of the best fielders ever to grace the game, represented South Africa in 52 tests and 245 ODIs between 1992 to 2003 before announcing his retirement from the game.