West Indies spinner Sunil Narine has on Tuesday (May 26) expressed his love for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), saying he would love to play in any tournament around the globe where the franchise has a team.
The 32-year-old, who has been playing for KKR since 2012, also represents the Trinbago Knight Riders owned by KKR's parent company in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
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Calling KKR a family, Narine further said the way franchise’s owners and management make players comfortable and give home feel apart from fans' love that all made India his second home.
Narine told KKR's official website on Tuesday: “Any tournament around the globe where Knight Riders have a team, I'd wanna be a part of it. It's not about the money or the friendships, it's like a family to me. Once they are there, I would love to be a part of that team.”
He further added, “The way they welcome you in India, with arms wide open. It's like they already know you as a human being - what you don't like, what you like. They try to make you comfortable. Every year, when I am leaving for India (for the IPL), it's like I am leaving for my second home.”
Saying playing in the IPL is the closest it gets for him to play at home, the spinner is missing being in the IPL actions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Narine signed off by saying, “The closest thing to feel at home playing in the CPL, is the IPL. To me it's not just friendships, it's like a family. (I am) missing the excitement of the IPL, the fans, the loved ones watching you perform. Whether it is 4 o'clock in the morning (in Trinidad), or 12 o'clock, they (are always) looking forward, that's something I'm missing a lot.”
Noteworthy, the West Indian, who has been one of the most economical spinners in the IPL history, has played 110 matches for KKR and managed 122 wickets at 23.31 so far.
(With IANS Inputs)
