McCullum: It would be awesome if Rehan bags IPL deal

Ahmed became the youngest to take a five-wicket haul on his Test debut as he claimed impressive figures of (5 for 48) against Pakistan on day three in the third Test here.

Published : Dec 21, 2022 11:46 IST , Karachi

Rehan Ahmed took five wickets on his debut in the third Test against Pakistan at Karachi National Stadium, Karachi, on December 19, 2022.
Rehan Ahmed took five wickets on his debut in the third Test against Pakistan at Karachi National Stadium, Karachi, on December 19, 2022. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Rehan Ahmed took five wickets on his debut in the third Test against Pakistan at Karachi National Stadium, Karachi, on December 19, 2022. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

England red-ball coach Brendon McCullum says it would be “awesome” if leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed bags an IPL deal following his stellar Test debut and he would want the teenager to play as much franchise cricket as possible.

The 18-year-old Ahmed became the youngest to take a five-wicket haul on his Test debut as he claimed impressive figures of (5 for 48) against Pakistan on day three in the third Test here.

THIS WEEK ON WEDNESDAYS WITH WV: 18-year-old Rehan Ahmed made a thrilling debut for England against Pakistan. What does it mean for cricket at large? WV Raman addresses this and more on his exclusive show on Sportstar.

Ahmed, who already has a deal to play in the inaugural ILT20 in the UAE in January and February, has entered the IPL auction, to be held in Kochi on Friday, with a base price of Rs 40 lakh.

“It would be great if he got picked up at the IPL. It would be awesome if he did,” McCullum told BBC’s Test Match Special on Tuesday.

“Why not give him that opportunity to rub shoulders with other players and pick up those experiences? What other 18-year-old is going to get those chances? “He’s a fully fledged international cricketer.” McCullum, who played in the first 11 IPL seasons before coaching Kolkata Knight Riders, said he’ll encourage the youngster to play franchise cricket.

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“The important thing now is that we continue to look after him,” the former New Zealand skipper said.

“I’ll encourage him to play as much franchise cricket and get as many experiences around the globe and play with different players, under different coaches and in different conditions.”

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