Unmukt Chand is set to be the first Indian male cricketer to play in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) after the batter signed for the 2021-2022 season which begins from next month. The 28-year-old former Indian Premier League (IPL) player will join the Melbourne Renegades for the Twenty20 competition in Australia, the club announced Thursday. “It’s great to have Unmukt on board and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do as a Renegade,” said Melbourne Renegades manager James Rosengarten.

“He makes history as the first Indian player in the BBL, which is exciting for our club, our fans and the competition,” Rosengarten added.

Chand has represented three IPL franchises during his career — Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals — and also captained India A and India U19.

Coach David Saker said Chand would bring a wealth of cricket experience to the Renegades.

“As a batter, Unmukt is dynamic and can change games quickly,” Saker said.

“He has spent much of his career at the top of the order, but we believe he has the flexibility to fill a variety of roles as we need,” he added.

While Indian women’s players are allowed to play in overseas domestic leagues, the country’s male international and domestic players are barred from doing so.

Chand retired from Indian cricket earlier this year and has since been playing in the United States with the Silicon Valley Strikers.

He said the Australia move was an opportunity to play some good cricket — and hopefully in front of Indian supporters.

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“I know for a fact there are lots of Indians in Melbourne, so it’s going to be nice, and I hope the crowds turn up for games as well,” he said.

“I really look forward to contributing as much as I can on the field. I’ll give it my best shot,” he added.

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