KKR's Ali Khan is the first IPL recruit from the USA.
Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) latest signing, Ali Khan, has suffered a side strain but is still hopeful to recover in time. Initially, Indian Premier League (IPL) had released a statement declaring few players have been ruled out from their respective franchises and the statement noted Khan's name as well.
However, the mistake was clarified by KKR CEO Venky Mysore, saying that the franchise is hopeful of the cricketer recovering well in time. Mysore has called the injury untimely but will be backing the bowler to come back to full fitness soon. At the moment, he is working on his rehab with the team and might be match fit very soon.
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Mysore told ESPNCricInfo, "While we are disappointed that he injured himself, KKR always does everything to take care of its players and therefore have asked him to stay on and are helping him with his recovery and rehab. Hopefully, he will recover fast."
The 29-year-old Ali Khan had been brought in from the Caribbean Premier League as a replacement for England seamer Harry Gurney. If Khan makes his debut this season, he will become the first cricketer from the USA to play in the IPL.
The Kolkata Knight Riders currently have Pat Cummins and Andre Russell to bowl in the death but would like to have the option of another death over specialist Ali Khan in their squad if they decide to leave out any of the two.
(With inputs from ESPNCricinfo)