Keemo Paul to make Big Bash debut
HOBART, Australia, CMC – Hobart Hurricanes head coach, Adam Griffith said he expected West Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul to bring a unique set of skills to the club for the forthcoming Big Bash League.
The Hurricanes announced yesterday that Paul is the latest international to announce he is making his Big Bash League debut with the club.
He is the third West Indies international that it has been announced will play in the BBL this season. The others are current T20I vice- captain Nicholas Pooran for Melbourne Stars and former T20I captain Carlos Brathwaite for Sydney Sixers.
The 22-year-old Guyanese comes to the Hurricanes highly recommended by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, Paul’s coach at the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“I am really excited to be joining Hobart for the upcoming BBL, and I am very grateful for the opportunity,” Paul said.
“I have always been a big BBL fan and avid watcher of tournament, and
I cannot wait to join up with the Hurricanes group.”
He added: “I have spoken to Ricky at the IPL about Hobart and Tasmania and he has spoken really positively about the team and the competition.
“I also caught up with Griff after our (IPL) game recently, and it was great to hear more about the very exciting squad this year.”
Paul made his Twenty20 International debut for West Indies against Afghanistan in March 2018 and has made 18 appearances.
He is currently enduring managed isolation with eight other West Indies teammates on the Tour of New Zealand, and after the completion of the Caribbean side’s T20I and Test series, he will join up with the Hurricanes.
“Keemo is another exciting young player in the early stages of his international career,” Griffith said.
“A bowling all-rounder with very good skills. Keemo uses different types of slower balls and loves bowling at the death.
“He’s also a hard-hitting batsman that can clear the fence, adding more power to our lower-middle order to finish off an innings.”
Hurricanes general manager, Scott Barnes said he was thrilled to welcome Paul to the Hurricanes.
“It’s great to welcome another young and exciting international talent to the League, but it’s extra exciting for our members and fans when they want to make their debut in purple.”