KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 24

Three Nepali international cricketers Sompal Kami, Karan KC and Kushal Malla were drafted in by the franchise teams for the T10 League to be held in the United Arab Emirates in January next year.

In the drafts held on Wednesday night, National team fast bowler Kami was picked up by Maratha Arabians for $20,000. Kami, who won Global T20 Canada last year in his debut international outing, had applied in the ‘C’ category for the T10 League, which is scheduled for January 28 to February 6, next year.

This is the first time three Nepali cricketers made it to the international league in a single season. Previously, Khadka and legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane had been picked up in T10 League, while Sompal Kami and Lamichhane played in the Global T20 Canada. Lamichhane, who was in the list, was not picked up by any team as the T10 League schedule clashed with Big Bash League. Lamichhane is currently in Australia to play for Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL. Four other Nepali cricketers, national team vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Bhurtel, Sharad Vesawkar and Aarif Sheikh had also applied for the drafts.

Kami was excited after being picked up in the T10 League and thanked supporters for the achievement. “(I am) happy and relieved for being able to leave 2020 with a smile on my face,” Kami posted on his Twitter account. “(It) has been a tough year for all of us. Thank you everyone who wished (me) well and supported me in my endeavours. I will continue to work hard and believe in myself,” he added.

Fellow national team quick KC said he was looking forward to make the most out of the opportunity. “It was the best news to wake up to this morning. Thanks to team #PuneDevils for giving me this opportunity. (I am) looking forward to join the team,” KC tweeted. “Thank you everyone for all the best wishes. I feel surrounded with appreciation and love and I’m grateful to all of your love.”

Lamichhane congratulated all three cricketers. “Fantastic news coming from @ T10League. 3 of our boys from Nepal got selected for this year’s @T10League. Congratulations to you guys for being selected. Very happy for you.

Hard work always pays off.

Proud of you all,” tweeted Lamichhane mentioning all three cricketers.