Mohammad Nabi: “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to play in the Big Bash for the Melbourne Renegades”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

The Melbourne Renegades have signed Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi and West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard after Sunil Narine pulled out of the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) due to personal reasons.

Narine’s withdrawal is a big blow for the Renegades as he was their leading wicket-taker last season with 13 wickets in eight matches at an average of 19.23.

Nabi will be available for the Renegades’ opening match against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 21. However, later on the in the season, he will be replaced by Pollard.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to play in the Big Bash for the Melbourne Renegades,” Nabi told melbournerenegades.com.au. “The tournament is highly regarded around the world and it is an experience I am looking forward to.”

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is the Renegades’ other overseas player and he will be available for the entire tournament, which concludes on February 4.

Renegades head coach Andrew McDonald was pleased to have acquired the services of Nabi and Pollard, and is hoping that his side can reach the semi-finals after missing out last season.

“We wish Sunil all the best,” he said. “At short notice we are pleased that we’ve been able to secure players of Mohammad and Kieron’s quality who will be important contributors this season for us.”