Paras Khadka says he hopes to “see the Nepalese flag flying high” when he plays at the Abu Dhabi T10 next month.
The all-rounder, who resigned as captain of Nepal after more than a decade of service earlier this month, has been signed to play for Team Abu Dhabi in the 10-over competition.
“It is an honour to be joining Team Abu Dhabi and I can’t wait to be involved in this incredibly exciting tournament,” Khadka, 32, said. “I know the matches are going to be intense, but I love playing against the world’s best.
“I’m hoping to see the Nepalese flag flying high in the stands of Zayed Cricket Stadium when I play next month.”
Team Abu Dhabi’s bosses are hopeful Khadka’s arrival will help mitigate the loss of Mohammed Amir.
Amir was the No 1 draft pick for the tournament, which starts on November 15 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. However, he was one of a raft of Pakistan players who were suddenly ruled ineligible when the Pakistan Cricket Board withdrew their no-objection certificates this week.
Khadka has recent experience of success in the UAE, having led Nepal to series wins over the national team in one-day international and T20 international series in January.
He has been selected as Team Abu Dhabi’s “international community promoter” player for the tournament.
He joins a side that includes Moeen Ali, Corey Anderson and Niroshan Dickwella, and is overseen by the former England coach Trevor Bayliss.
“Paras is an impressive player who excels in short-forms of the game,” Bayliss said. “Both his batting and bowling prowess make him a threat to any team, and he adds another exciting dimension to the balance of Team Abu Dhabi.
“I’m sure that Nepalese fans are going to love the opportunity to see him perform in Abu Dhabi this November.”
Sandeep Lamichhane, Khadka’s Nepal team-mate, will be playing for Karnataka Tuskers in the tournament.
