After IPL snub, Pujara signs up to play county
London, Jan. 30: Unsold in IPL players’ auction, Cheteshwar Pujara will warm up for India’s Test series in England by playing county cricket as Yorkshire has signed him for his second stint with the club. The 29- year- old Pujara, who will share overseas duties with New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, is set to arrive in the United Kingdom just in time for the Leeds Bradford MCCU fixture on April 7.
Pujara is returning to Yorkshire for his second stint with the club after turning out during 2015, a County Championship winning year.
Despite a deal for the Rajkot- born right- hander being struck several weeks ago, the club’s announcement has been purposely delayed until after the Indian Premier League auction.
During that time, the BCCI has scheduled a oneoff Test against Afghanistan in Bengaluru, from June 1418, and Pujara is set to depart for his home country after the Royal London 50- Over clash at Lancashire. Yorkshire is hoping Pujara will return in time for an away trip to Hampshire, in the Specsavers County Championship, on June
20. The club also said that Pujara may stay on after India’s five- match Test tour of England between August 1 and September
11.
“There is also potential for Pujara to stay on after the India’s summer Test tour to play the final home fixture against Hampshire ( Sep. 18) followed by the trip to New Road to face Worcestershire ( Sep. 24),” the club said.