TNPL 2020: Salem Spartans Rope In Vijay Shankar; Tiruppur Tamizhans Sign Abhinav Mukund

Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar has been signed by Salem Spartans (formerly Tuti Patriots) at the Tamil Nadu Premier League(TNPL) season five-player draft on Thursday. Making excellent use of their right to pick first, the Salem franchise also roped in medium-pacer G Periyaswamy and leg-spinner M Ashwin. Besides, opener Abhinav Mukund was picked up by iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans.

Moreover, N Jagadeesan, who finished last season of TNPL as the highest run-scorer, went to Chepauk Super Gillies.

Furthermore, the president of Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, Rupa Gurunath, also revealed that all the franchises of the TNPL can add a maximum of two outstation players to their squad.

For the same, a separate player draft will be organised in May later this year, pending the approval of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Vijay Shankar speaks out after signing for Salem Spartans:

After representing India A in New Zealand, Vijay flew back home and spoke to the press after being unveiled as a Salem player.

The 29-year-old said he was delighted to join Salem and said that the upcoming season will be very competitive.

Vijay said, “Glad to be part of the Salem team. We have a competitive side with a lot of experience. We also have some budding players. It is a good initiative by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) to take the game to districts with Salem and Coimbatore being the new venues. I am sure a lot of youngsters will come to watch the matches and get inspired”.

Coach of the Salem team, S Suresh also expressed his pleasure after having secured the services of Indian international, Vijay.

He said, “We have a strong team. Apart from Washington Sundar — who was retained — we are glad to have a player like Vijay Shankar in our ra­nks. We are confident of fielding a fighting unit.”

The fifth edition of the TNPL will commence from June 10 later this year and will run until July 12.