Ask Chris Gayle and he just might echo the same thoughts. After all, he was at the receiving end for two occasions in the recently concluded ICC World Cup Qualifiers. Yes, it’s the youngest player in ODI history to pick up a five-for, Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Zadran.
In a mega move of the 2018 VIVO IPL Player auctions, Afghanistan’s spin sensation Mujeeb Zadran was snapped up by Kings XI Punjab for a whopping payout of INR 4 Crores. And Gayle will not be at the receiving end this time around as he will be young Mujeeb’s team-mate in Kings XI squad.
Set at a modest base price of INR 15 Lakhs, Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab went on a bidding frenzy for the young off-spinner, who has been a major force for Afghanistan U19 team in ACC U19 Asia Cup and the ongoing ICC U19 World Cup.
Mujeeb further showcased his talents in the World Cup Qualifiers, where he was part of Afghanistan’s spin attack comprising of himself, Rashid Khan, Sarafuddin Ashraf and Mohammad Nabi. Mujeeb was Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets in 7 matches @15.93 average.
Mujeeb will be playing under Ravichandran Ashwin’s captaincy and mentored by Virender Sehwag during the VIVO IPL and his combination with Ashing could well become the X-factor in King’s XI campaign in 2018.
And we get him! The young man from Afghanistan becomes our 12th pick of the #IPLAuction! Welcome to the pride! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 28, 2018
Mujeeb has represented Comilla Victorians in Bangladesh Premier League and made his Senior team debut in Dec 2017 against Ireland. His rise in the ranks started from the ICC U19 World Cup Qualifiers, then to a triumphant campaign in ACC U19 Asia Cup (which Afghanistan won and will be defending, come Oct 2018 in Bangladesh) and then, the ICC U19 World Cup.
