The inaugural edition of the Global Power Cricket League (GPCL) is set to take the centre stage in Delhi next month.
The T20 tournament, featuring eight teams from different countries, will get underway on October 2 and will run till October 9.
Among the teams participating in the tournament, one is from India named ‘Australian Golds’.
As many as 14 cricketers have been signed by the Australian Golds for the first-ever GPCL season. While former Australia batter Callum Ferguson has been named captain, the squad also features three prominent names of Sri Lankan cricket – Shaminda Eranga, Lahiru Thirimanne and Mahela Udawatte.
Eranga, the right-arm quick, represented Sri Lanka in 19 Tests, 19 ODIs and 3 T20Is, claiming a total of 81 wickets. Thirimanne has played 44 Tests, 127 ODIs and 26 T20Is so far. The classy left-hander is still an active international cricketer, with more than 5000 runs to his name.
Once touted as the next Sanath Jayasuriya, Udawatte didn’t get many opportunities in the national side, playing only 2 Tests, 9 ODIs and 8 T20Is.
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On the other hand, captain Ferguson has the experience of playing international cricket as well as franchise cricket. He represented Australia in one Test, 30 ODIs and three T20Is, scoring almost 700 runs across formats.
Ferguson was part of Australia’s triumphant Champions Trophy campaign in 2009. He also played 9 IPL matches for the now-defunct IPL franchise Pune Warriors back in 2011-12.
With their presence in the squad, Australian Golds are certainly the firm favorites to lift the inaugural GPCL title.
Australian Golds are placed in Pool B alongside South African Emeralds, Sri Lankan Violets and Irish Olives. They will begin their campaign against Irish Olives on October 3.
Australian Golds Squad:
Callum Ferguson (c), Chadd Sayers, Shaminda Eranga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Mahela Udawatte, Sathpath Kalum, Krutarth Suthar, Chrish Russo, Gurharbhej Sandhu, Rahul Bhandari, Rajith Premachandra, Gursewak Singh, Shivek Roshan Jayprakash and Jagdish Chand Aggarwal.
