In a major shift, Indian Premier League (IPL) stalwart Ambati Rayudu is set to don the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots jersey in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 season, announced on Friday, August 11. Having clinched six IPL championships, Rayudu recently hung up his boots from competitive cricket. However, he will soon be back in action as a marquee player for the CPL side. Fans last witnessed his prowess in the IPL 2023 final where he played a pivotal role in the triumph over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
This anticipated move means Rayudu could potentially follow in the footsteps of Pravin Tambe, who made his mark with the Trinbago Knight Riders in 2020, becoming one of the few Indians in the CPL. Yet, the official green light from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still pending. It's worth noting that Rayudu had previously withdrawn from the debut season of Major League Cricket (MLC) because of BCCI regulations.
Sharing his enthusiasm, Rayudu stated, "I'm really excited to be joining the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. I look forward to having a positive contribution to the team in the upcoming CPL 2023."
A proposed rule by the BCCI introduces a one-year hiatus for retired Indian cricketers before they can embark on stints in international franchise leagues. This regulation was a hurdle for Rayudu's participation in the MLC. However, indications suggest this might not impede his CPL journey with the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. Rayudu, a former linchpin for Mumbai Indians, boasts an illustrious T20 career, consistently delivering across franchises. Alongside Rohit Sharma, he stands as the most decorated player in IPL history, with a remarkable six titles to his name.
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