Pravin Tambe, who was picked up in IPL auction before 2020 but was banned following participation in foreign leagues will join as a non-player. Kolkata Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore confirmed Pravin Tambe is headed to the UAE along with head coach Brendon McCullum to join the set-up. The 48-year-old was barred from playing IPL after he was picked up by KKR at December’s auctions.
He might have missed an opportunity to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but 48-year-old Pravin Tambe is all set to be part of the 2-time champions’ set-up. KKR CEO Venky Mysore has confirmed he will join the franchise in the UAE to help the team prepare for the campaign.
Pravin Tambe Banned From IPL As He Participated In Global T20 League Despite Not Taking Retirement
Pravin Tambe became the oldest player to be picked up by a franchise at the IPL 2020 auction last year. KKR bought the veteran spinner for Rs 20 Lakh. However, he was barred from playing the IPL by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
He was pulled up by the Indian cricket board for featuring in a franchise-based cricket league overseas. According to the BCCI rules, only retired players can feature in overseas leagues and that he, according to the board, had breached this policy.
However, Pravin Tambe went ahead and played for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, becoming the 1st Indian player to feature in the T20 league. He was part of the TKR side which won all 12 matches and went on to win their 4th title earlier this month.
Venky Mysore said the Trinbago Knight Riders loved his enthusiasm and it was on popular demand that he joins the Kolkata Knight Riders at IPL 2020. The KKR CEO revealed that his experience will come in handy as the team prepares for spinner-friendly wickets in the UAE.
“Pravin Tambe has been a revelation, again. For some like Tambe, at his age and this stage of his career, using the word revelation is a bit strange.
“But every time he gets on the field, even when he doesn’t, when he is not playing, he is the first out, running with drinks, saying something, coming to the boundary line, dropping off drinks and having a word of encouragement,” Mysore said during an Instagram live session for KKR.
“TKR boys absolutely loved him because of his positivity, nature and enthusiasm. As the coaches were saying, he’s the first one who will get on the field, do his sprints run and put some of the youngsters a little bit to shame.”
Pravin Tambe has played 33 IPL matches and has 28 wickets at 30.46. He has not played in the T20 league since 2016 wherein he represented the Gujarat Lions.
Pravin Tambe’s Enthusiasm Even At His Age of 48 Prompted KKR’s Decision To Allow Him To Join The KKR Set-up
Pravin Tambe played 3 matches in CPL 2020 and bowled 9 overs at an economy rate of 4. He took 3 wickets from 3 matches in CPL 2020 averaging only 12. The veteran spinner was a live-wire on the field as well.
“We saw what he did when he got some of his limited chances, some of the catches and the bowling that he did were outstanding. We were very happy.”
“On popular demand, it was decided that he should come and join just here and be part of the set-up and help the team. Some of the enthusiasm he brings is unbelievable.
“In these conditions, in practice, to be able to give some quality spin, a bowling option for the batsmen to face again. Just his infectious enthusiasm. We are really excited he is going to be part of the set-up. In fact, he is coming with coach McCullum. I am sure he will come and increase energy levels,”he concluded.
Pravin Tambe made his Indian Premier League debut in 2013 at the age of 41 for Rajasthan Royals.