NEW DELHI: Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of Indian Premier League team Punjab Kings for the upcoming edition of the lucrative T20 tournament.
Iyer, a title-winning captain with Kolkata Knight Riders last season, was picked by Punjab for 267.5 million rupees ($3.17 million) as the second-most expensive buy in the IPL auction in December.
The 30-year-old Iyer said he was excited to re-unite with Australian great and new Punjab coach Ricky Ponting, after the two previously worked together with Delhi Capitals. Iyer said he was "honoured" to be named as skipper.
"I am looking forward to working again with coach Ponting," Iyer said in a statement late Sunday. "The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers", he added.
"I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title." Ponting said Shreyas had "a great mind for the game", adding that his "proven capabilities as captain will enable the team to deliver". The 18th edition of the tournament will begin on March 21 with Kolkata hosting the opener and the final on May 25, according to reports in the Indian media.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates after scoring his first Paris Saint-Germain goal in the 4-1 win over Monaco on Friday...
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after scoring against Leyton Orient. —AFP/FileLONDON: Kevin De Bruyne...
Ko Jin-young of South Korea. —AFP/FileMIAMI: South Korea´s Ko Jin-young birdied six of her last nine holes to fire...
American Breezy Johnson in action. —AFP/FileSAALBACH: American Breezy Johnson turned on the afterburners to scorch...
This representational image shows a golf stick and ball in a field. — Unsplash/FileLAHORE: The 14th Pakistan Junior...
Farmer Pakistani Spinner in action. — Facebook@Danish.Kaneria.official/FileKARACHI: Renowned journalist and...