Babar Hayat to represent Kerala Kings in T10 Cricket League, after his show at Hong Kong sixes

Hong Kong International Babar Hayat is all set to represent the Kerela Kings in the upcoming T10 Cricket League in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The side already boasts stars such as Shakib al Hasan, Kieron Pollard and captain Eoin Morgan. The team would be coached by legend Brian Lara.

The decision to pick him came after his impressive performances in the recently concluded Hong Kong Super Sixes where he had four innings at the Kowloon Cricket Club in which he reached the retirement mark of 31 – against South Africa (36), New Zealand (33), Sri Lanka (32) and Marylebone Cricket Club (31).

“I was surprised – the day before Cooky messaged me to say he had put my name in the draft. Next day [Hong Kong teammate] Nizakat sent me a message saying congrats you’ve been picked. I’m so excited to still thinking I’m dreaming,” quoted Babar Hayat according to South China Morning Post.

Here’s the post

.@KeralaKingsT10 get their final pick. Babar Hayat! #TCLDraft pic.twitter.com/E9CyYT2JGT

— T10 Cricket League (@ttencricketuae) November 5, 2017

“This is the first league outside of Hong Kong where I’ve been picked up there are a lot of international stars. I’ve been playing Sixes so have some short form experience which will help me although the grounds will be bigger,” further added the hard-hitting batsman.

Hayat views this as an opportunity for opening doors to major cricketing leagues around the world. Also, this would bring in players from Hong Kong into the T20 franchise scene.

“This is the first step for me and if I perform there will be other windows for me to play cricket all around the world as well. It’s a good opportunity for me as a player. I’ve had lots of messages of support from people in Hong Kong and I hope there can be others here who can get their chance in the future as well. I don’t know Robin personally, but I heard from people who played previously HK and at City Kaitak that he’s a nice guy and I’m looking forward to working with him,” concluded Hayat.