UAE internationals Rohan Mustafa and Chirag Suri are aiming to make a big impact over the next 11 days when they play in Nepal’s T20 Pokhara Premier League (PPL).
The pair flew out to the south Asian country on Wednesday after they both signed for Butwal Blasters, who open their campaign against Chitwan Rhinos on Saturday.
The six-team competition sees some of Nepal’s leading national players in action including Paras Khadka and spin sensation Sandeep Lamichhane as well as overseas cricketers.
For Suri, it will be his second overseas T20 event having been part of the 2017 IPL with Gujarat Lions. Although the PPL is not as high-profile as the IPL, Suri is adamant it will develop his all-round game.
“I’m really excited to play and there was some interest from other teams before I signed for Butwal Blasters,” said the 23-year-old batsman. “My obvious target would be to do as much as I can and help the team go as far as possible by scoring as many runs.
“It’s always a good learning experience as these wickets usually tend to favour the spinners. It will gear me up nicely when I play in Dubai and other matches when we go on tour with the UAE.
“There is an extra responsibility being one of the foreign players and the team will be relying on me which is really good.”
All Set For Pokhara League...Keep Supporting #butwalblasters #PPL pic.twitter.com/MfD4UdRjZb
— Rohan Mustafa (@rohanmustafa88) October 25, 2018
He added: “Every cricket game that I play, I treat the same. Twenty20 cricket is rapidly growing and it will help me hone my skills. Playing against spinners will be a good challenge and will help my confidence.”
Mustafa is no stranger to conditions in Nepal, having been part of the title-winning Dhangadhi Premier League campaign with Dhangadhi Team Chauraha in April.
Playing under captain Sompal Kami at Dhangadhi Team Chauraha, Mustafa revealed the Nepalese all-rounder played a big role in securing a deal with Blasters.
“I was player of the tournament in the DPL and Sompal was impressed with my performances,” he said. “Sompal said if there are any tournaments coming up in Nepal, then he would want me in his team. I agreed to sign and I think we have a very good understanding with each other.”
He added: “As a overseas player, there is a target that I want to impress with the bat and ball. I want to go and win the man of the tournament and do well for Butwal Blasters.”
