Photo Credit: Melbourne Stars
The Melbourne Stars have clinched the signing of West Indian power hitter Nicholas Pooran ahead of the upcoming KFC BBL|10 season.
The 25 year-old left hand batsman from Trinidad has played 25 One-Day Internationals and 21 T20 Internationals for the West Indies.
Pooran has been selected in the West Indies’ T20 International squad to face New Zealand and will be available for six matches with the Stars across December and early January.
Pooran, who can also take the wicketkeeping gloves, has just ended his IPL campaign with Kings XI Punjab. He finished the tournament with 521 runs, averaging 32 with a strike rate of 165.
Considered one of the brightest young prospects in T20 cricket, Pooran said he was looking forward to his time with the Stars.
“The Melbourne Stars have a very strong team and I’m happy I can be part of that for a few matches this season,” Pooran said.
“I’m also excited to be part of the BBL and heard many good things from Glenn Maxwell. I will keep playing my natural game for the team and hope it helps get the Stars some positive results.”
Melbourne Stars BBL Head Coach David Hussey said Pooran would bring further firepower to the lineup.
“Nick is an impressive player with some big gears who has been in demand in the IPL, the Carribean Premier League and Pakistan Super League in addition to his West Indies duties for some time. I’m looking forward to having his talents on our side this season,” Hussey said.
Melbourne Stars General Manager Nick Cummins said “we’re pleased to have Nick on board for what will be an important stretch of games for the club. Together with Jonny Bairstow, we’re keen to make our international roster as strong as possible.”
The Stars will announce their third international signing next week.
The club has also confirmed pace bowler Haris Rauf is not available this season due to national commitments with Pakistan.
