SPL: Pujara to play for Zalawad Royals

Cheteshwar Pujara made himself available for the local Saurashtra Premier League after finding time from his commitment to county cricket in England.

Since the player drafts were already over on May 4, Cheteshwar Pujara was placed in a team through a draw of lot for the Saurashtra Premier League.

India’s premier Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara will play for Team Zalawad Royals in the inaugural Saurashtra Premier League, it was announced on Thursday.

“Cheteshwar shall play Saurashtra Premier League T20 Tournament for Team Zalawad Royals,” a statement from Saurashtra Cricket Association said.

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“As players drafting was done on May 4, SPL governing council decided to have drafting system in the format of draw for Cheteshwar in presence of representatives of all teams, former BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, SCA office bearers, SPL Governing Council, representatives of independent auditor and Cheteshwar himself,” the release said.

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As per the statement, Shah informed that in true spirit of cricket, Kutch Warriors withdrew from draw process of Cheteshwar as it had Jaydev Unadkat in its squad.

Cheteshwar was then asked to pick a chit from the draw bowl having closed chits of four teams — Gohilwad Gladiators, Sorath Lions, Halar Heroes and Zalawad Royals. Cheteshwar picked up the chit and it was of Team Zalawad Royals, the release added.