Harmanpreet Kaur joins BBL team Sydney Thunder

Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, became the first Indian to join a Big Bash League (BBL) the Sydney Thunders team confirmed.

The BCCI had previously approved its female players to join foreign leagues and was waiting for the no objection certificate from the Indian cricket board. The addition of Harmanpreet will bring a new dimension to the champion of the inaugural edition.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Harmanpreet.

“The WBBL is a great platform for women’s cricketers, being the first player from my country to sign a contract for a BBL club is one of my best moments.

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The 27-year-old all-rounder will be will make her debut in December in the WBBL.

“My aim is to serve my team to win the WBBL title for the second time in a row,” Harmanpreet added. “Playing with the best players against the best players is always a great feeling. I would definitely learn a lot of things from them all.”

Harmanpreet had a good run over the past one year. She also impressed with her form on India’s tour of Australia, scoring 31-runs of 46 ball to take India over the victory line in Adelaide. She has represented the country in 118 matches across all formats of the game.

Nick Cummins, Sydney Thunder general manager, believed the participation of Indian players will be a boon for the WBBL.

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“We are delighted to secure a player of the calibre of Harmanpreet. She was on the top of our target list, and we are very pleased that the BCCI has released her to play in Australia, said Cummins.

“Sydney Thunder prides itself on being an innovator in Australian cricket, so it is a real fillip for the club to have signed the first Indian international to play Big Bash cricket in Australia.”

Sydney Thunder will begin their title defence against Melbourne Stars at North Sydney Oval on December 10, which will be broadcast in prime time on Australian free-to-air television for the first time.

Big news #WBBL fans as @BCCI Vice-Captain Harmanpreet Kaur signs for @ThunderWBBL. Story: https://t.co/3UKFASc5ZS pic.twitter.com/EJLFovZgju

— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) July 30, 2016

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