2024-02-20 09:03:01
New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday included Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera in the squad for the Indian Premier League 2024 as a replacement for England fast bowler Gus Atkinson. Chameera has joined KKR at a base price of Rs 50 lakh, the IPL organizers said in a statement. This Sri Lankan fast bowler has been a part of Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2018 and 2021 seasons respectively. Chameera represented Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 season and took nine wickets in 12 matches. Gus Atkinson, on the other hand, was bought by KKR for Rs 1 crore (approximately USD 120,000) in the IPL 2024 auction in December last year.
Chameera speed 140+ KM/H
Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera remained unsold in the IPL auction. The 32-year-old player has previously played for Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants in the tournament. Chameera is known for his impressive pace, often bowling at over 140 kmph. In his recent T20 match for Dubai Capitals against Abu Dhabi, he took 2 wickets for 20 runs in four overs.
Atkinson played in the World Cup
England’s 26-year-old fast bowler Atkinson was about to make his IPL debut, but has withdrawn from the tournament. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been managing their schedule after a busy winter. Atkinson represented England in the World Cup and also took part in a white-ball tour in the Caribbean. He has returned to India for the ongoing England Test series.
IPL can be held from March 22
Chameera has played 12 IPL matches so far, taking a total of nine wickets at an economy rate of 8.73. Apart from Chameera, the only overseas frontline fast bowler in the Knightriders’ squad is Mitchell Starc, who was bought for a record price of Rs 24.75 crore (approximately US$2.98 million) in the auction. IPL 2024 is expected to take place from March 22 to the end of May. The final schedule will be announced when the Election Commission finalizes the voting dates for the general elections in India.