Colombo: Former India pacer Irfan Pathan on Sunday said he will play in the Lanka Premier League for Kandy Tuskers franchise. The Kandy-based team has West Indies legend Chris Gayle, local star Kusal Perera, Sri Lankan T20 specialists Kusal Mendis and Nuwan Pradeep and England right-arm fast bowler Liam Plunkett among others.

Former Sri Lanka captain Hashan Tillakaratne is also a part of the Kandy Tuskers coaching staff. The 36-year-old Pathan, who retired from all forms of cricket earlier this year after playing 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is, said he was looking forward to the T20 tournament.

I am extremely excited to be part of the Kandy franchisee in LPL. We have some exciting names in the team and I am looking forward for the experience, the Baroda-based Pathan was quoted as saying in a statement issued by LPL. Kandy franchise owner Sohail Khan said, Irfan’s inclusion will not only add to the firepower of the squad but his experience will be a huge asset to the team.

The LPL is scheduled to be played from November 21 to December 13 at two venues — Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.