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Suri is the first UAE cricketer to be picked by an IPL team

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Suri is the first UAE cricketer to be picked by an IPL team
Chirag Suri

Dubai - Gujarat Lions pick the Dubai-based youngster

By James Jose

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Published: Mon 20 Feb 2017, 5:11 PM

Last updated: Tue 21 Feb 2017, 11:31 PM

The UAE's Chirag Suri couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift. Suri, who turned 22 on Saturday, became the first UAE cricketer to be selected for the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The IPL Auction was held in the Indian city of Bengaluru on Monday and the Dubai-based Suri was picked by the Gujarat Lions. Suri was bought for INR 10 lakhs by the Suresh Raina-led team.
Suri, who has been a regular feature in the UAE cricket set-up, having also played in the Under-19 World Cup in 2014, revealed that he broke down with the family, after hearing the news.

When asked by the Khaleej Times whether he felt he was in seventh heaven, Suri gushed and replied: "Something above that."
And it was still yet to sink in for Suri, "Crazy, crazy! It is a ground-breaker," he said.
"I broke down with my family. It was a very emotional moment. I'm very happy as I have been working hard for a few years," said Suri.
Suri had received a call two months ago asking him to put his name up in the Auction.
"I was very keen and sent my name. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) also pushed forward application. My coaches, my family have all played a big role in this and for shaping my career. I unfortunately didn't have good performances with the UAE team but former UAE coach Aaqib Javed and Owais Shah felt I would play in the IPL," he said.
Meanwhile, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Administrator Mazhar Khan was elated.
 "We are definitely elated on hearing the news. Watching him grow here as a cricketer and being selected for the IPL, we are proud of his achievement," said Mazhar Khan.
"He is a very committed cricketer and a hard working boy. And it is great news for the cricketers from the UAE. Everyone will be striving to take his lead," he added.
james@khaleejtimes.com
 
 
 


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