Colombo, November 1: Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has signed a contract to play in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) for the Kandy Tuskers franchise.

Kandy has West Indies legend Chris Gayle, local icon Kusal Perera, Sri Lankan T20 specialists Kusal Mendis and Nuwan Pradeep, and England right-arm fast bowler Liam Plunkett among others in the team.

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"I am extremely excited to be part of the Kandy franchisee in LPL. We have some exciting names in the team and I am looking forward for the experience," said Irfan in a release issued by LPL.

Former Sri Lankan skipper Hashan Tillakaratne is part of the Kandy coaching staff.

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Welcoming the all-rounder, Kandy franchisee owner and Bollywood actor Sohail Khan said, "Irfan's inclusion will not only add to the firepower of the squad but his experience will be a huge asset to the team."

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) VP and LPL Tournament Director, Ravin Wickramaratne said, "Irfan Pathan is an exciting all-rounder and I am sure the fans will be happy to see him in action for Kandy in LPL."

The Lanka Premier League is scheduled to be played from November 21 to December 13, 2020, at two venues -- Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium (MRICS) in Hambantota andPallekele International Cricket Stadium (PICS) in Kandy.

In the LPL, five franchisee teams, named after Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Dambulla, and Jaffna, will compete in 23 matches over a 15-day period for the title. Colombo will take on Dambulla in the opening match in Hambantota on November 21. The final will be played on December 13 with December 14 as a reserve day.

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)