Harmanpreet Kaur Set to Appear for Lancashire Thunder in Kia Super League

Published - 30 Jun 2018, 12:54 AM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:53 PM

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India women’s skipper in the shortest format, Harmanpreet Kaur has been roped in by the Lancashire Thunder for the 2018 season of the Kia Super League.

The club announced the news of her appointment on Friday afternoon. Harmanpreet will become just the 2^nd Indian cricketer to take part in the Kia Super League. It was Smriti Mandhana who was earlier bought by the defending champions, Western Storm early in the month.

Harmanpreet was the first Indian women’s cricketer to bag a Big Bash contract. She was earlier stated to starre for the Surrey Stars in the last edition of the tournament.

However, she had to miss the whole tournament after sustaining an injury during the 2017 Women’s World Cup.

“I am so pleased to sign for Lancashire Thunder ahead of the 2018 Kia Super League,” Harmanpreet said. “I have followed the KSL for a while, and I can’t wait to finally play in the competition, especially at a stadium like Old Trafford. Have fond memories of playing in England following last summer’s ICC Women’s World Cup, during which I scored my highest ever international score.”

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Harmanpreet will be playing under the watchful guidance of Alex Blackwell. She is her captain n the Syndey Thunder team in the BBL. Blackwell expressed her excitement at having Harmanpreet at her disposal.

This will be the first time that Blackwell will carry out her coaching stints. She retired from international cricket last February.

Harmanpreet thrilled to be playing for Lancashire

“I am thrilled to be able to welcome Harmanpreet to Old Trafford,” Blackwell said. “She is somebody who I have played against on the international stage, and also played with in the Women’s Big Bash League. She is vastly experienced, and she will be a great addition to our squad for what will be her first spell in the KSL.”

The Indian batswoman in all expectations will leave for England mid-July to take part in the tournament.

The tournament is slated to be played from 22^nd July to 27^th August. This year the event will see six teams playing each other in the home-away format for the very first time. The top three from the group stage will go through to the Finals Day on August 27 in Hove.