CPL 2018: Mohammad Irfan replaces Junaid Khan for Barbados Tridents

Barbados Tridents have replaced Junaid Khan with Mohammad Irfan for the upcoming edition of the Carribean Premier League (CPL). The former is unavailable for the tournament commencing on August 8 and the Tridents will play their first match on August 12 against Guyana Amazon Warriors. Irfan’s inclusion, however, will boost the bowling resources of the franchise who are eyeing to go all the way this year.

Irfan has 94 wickets to his name in the shortest format of the game in 82 matches at an average of 20.94. His best figures of 4/16 came against Peshawar during the National T20 Cup in 2015. He is one of the tallest cricketers in the world and generates extra bounce on any wickets thanks to his height.

Robin Singh welcomes Irfan

Tridents head coach Robin Singh welcomed the inclusion of Mohammad Irfan to the setup and was happy to have a like-for-like replacement of Junaid Khan. “It is a disappointment not to have Junaid available but the experience of another left-arm quick like Mohammad Irfan will be an asset to our campaign.

The 36-year-old bowler is expected to make a mark for the Tridents with immediate effect who have Wahab Riaz in their squad as well. The left-arm duo will be a huge threat to the opposition on any given day during the course of the tournament. “He (Irfan) is no stranger to international cricket and this know-how, coupled with his unique ability with the ball, means he will be a key part of the Tridents attack and a handful for opposing batsmen,” Robin added.

Tridents finished fifth last year and will be hoping to improve their performance this time around. The national skipper Jason Holder will lead the franchise and they possess the class of Steve Smith and Hashim Amla as well. Even Martin Guptill is in the squad who smashed a 35-ball ton recently in the ongoing T20 Blast.

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