Thrilled to Sign Virat Kohli, the Biggest Name in World Cricket: Alec Stewart

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave the green signal for its players to feature in the 2018 County Championship in England, instead of participating in the One-off Test match against Afghanistan in June.

Indian all-format skipper Kohli is the headlining signing this season for Surrey. The 29-year-old with over 56 cumulative centuries in International cricket will prepare himself for England tour with his stint at Kia Oval.

Apart from Kohli, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Varun Aaron, and Ishant Sharma, decided to give up on Indian Premier League (IPL) to participate in the county championship.

Pujara, who represented the Nottinghamshire last season, is now taking part in Yorkshire’s campaign the current season.

Meanwhile, Ishant and Aaron are playing for Sussex and Leicestershire respectively.

“It has long been an ambition of mine to play county. I am thankful to Alec Stewart and Surrey for allowing me the opportunity to join them during their 2018 season. I can’t wait to get to the Kia Oval,” Virat Kohli quoted while signing his deal with Surrey.

The arrival of Kohli should give our domestic game a massive boost: Stewart

While many cricketing pundits, such as Bob Willis, condemn allowing Kohli – to acclimatize to the conditions of England, his RCB teammate reckons that the inclusion of the modern great will help improve the quality of cricket in the United Kingdom.

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“We are thrilled to have signed the biggest name in world cricket for the month of June. Playing and training alongside Virat will be a massive benefit for our players who will have the opportunity to learn so much from him,” Surrey Director of Cricket, Alec Stewart commented according to Metro, UK.

Virat Kohli registered tons in almost all cricket playing nation except England. The batting giant underwent a horror trip back 2014.

The man who averages above 50 in all formats, scored just 134 runs in ten innings at an average of less than 14, four years back.

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“At a time when there is much discussion around the future of county cricket, the arrival of Virat Kohli should give our domestic game a massive boost and positive exposure around the cricketing world which in turn can benefit every county,” concluded the former English wicketkeeper.

Also, Read: Michael Vaughan Hails Surrey’s Signing Of Kohli