Pooran to play in the Big Bash

West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran has signed up with Melbourne Stars for six matches in the upcoming Big Bash League. Pooran is the second international signing for the club after Jonny Bairstow, with a third on the way next week.

Stars also confirmed that Haris Rauf, who has been recently named in Pakistan’s squad for New Zealand, will be unavailable this season.

Pooran, who is currently in New Zealand with the West Indies, will only be able to travel to Australia after fulfilling his international commitments, meaning he will miss the first few games of BBL 2020-21. That said, he won’t be needed to quarantine owing to the Trans-Tasman travel bubble that was recently established between the countries.

“The Melbourne Stars have a very strong team and I’m happy I can be part of that for a few matches this season,” Pooran said. “I’m also excited to be part of the BBL and heard many good things from Glenn Maxwell. I will keep playing my natural game for the team and hope it helps get the Stars some positive results.”

Melbourne Stars BBL Head Coach David Hussey said: “Nick is an impressive player with some big gears who has been in demand in the IPL, the Caribbean Premier League and Pakistan Super League in addition to his West Indies duties for some time. I’m looking forward to having his talents on our side this season,” Hussey said. (Cricbuzz)