5 American College Cricket players Drafted in Canada GT20, incl 2018 MVP !
Saad Bin Zafar with his Ryerson mates, and with Chris Gyle and Andre Russell
The Canadian Global T20 tournament had its Draft yesterday, and 5 American College Cricket players, including last year’s Finals MVP, were drafted by the teams. They were also drafted last year. They are –
Saad Bin Zafar (Ryerson)
Nikhil Dutta (Ryerson)
Rayyan Pathan (Ryerson)
Armaan Kapoor (Laurier)
Umair Ghani (Humber)
Additionally Krinesh Patel (Virginia Tech) said his agent told him that he was named as a reserve. This is remarkable because Krinesh only this year made his debut for Virginia Tech in the National Championship, and also stood out as a social media leader, leading to his selection for the American College Cricket USA team that played in Canada. His Leg Spin caught the right eyes, and it was recommended he enter the Draft. Krinesh was ecstatic at the opportunities he’s received this year, ‘Thanks Lloyd Jodah and American College Cricket. You’re changing many lives” he said.
USA Captain Saurabh Netravalkar (Cornell) did not enter the Draft because of USA Team and work commitments, or he would have certainly been picked.
In last year’s Finals Saad Bin Zafar was the MVP for his fantastic innings of that took his team to victory – a team that included Chris Gayle and Andre Russell, 2 of the best T20 players in the world. Saad also bowled well. This year his team is augmented by USA pacer Ali Khan. Last year Saad was also drafted in the late stages of the Caribbean Premiere League.
Nikhil previously played in the CPL and Bangladesh Premiere League as well. Nikhil made his American College Cricket debut back in 2011. Apart from his offspin bowling, he is a good batsman.
All 5 have been All Stars on the Canadian College Cricket players in our USA vs Canada Series. Last year, many Ryerson players worked behind the scenes of the GT20 including Hassan Mirza and Obaid Ullah Babar. This year the tournament has shifted to the heart of Brampton, next to Mississauga and should attract better crowds.
