New Delhi: Virat kohli might be the highest paid cricketer in the world right now but English County side Surrey has acquired the services of the Indian captain for a dirt cheap deal as BCCI was keen to ensure quality game time for the right-handed batsman ahead of the grueling tour of England.
Kohli, who will join Surrey for a one month period in June will play six games (Three Royal London Cup 50 over games and Three County four-day games) and will miss the one-off Test match against Afghanistan and two T20Is against Ireland (all in June).
Though the news of Kohli joining Surrey was out earlier in March, the deal was finally inked only late last week. “Contrary to popular belief that Virat will cost a bomb for Surrey, it was completely the other way round. Let’s get it clear. Surrey is paying airfare, accommodation and a very nominal match fee during the month,” a senior BCCI official who didn’t want to be named informed this agency, Friday.
“Since the Board and Virat himself was very keen, the monetary part was least of concern for us.”
However, as it was learned, the reason for delay in the deal was because BCCI was engaged with Surrey about how much the county can use the Indian captain’s image rights.
“Obviously, Surrey wants to cash in on his image. There will be curiosity and marketing opportunities but we don’t want our captain to be unduly disturbed by peripheral activities. He is going there to prepare for England series and if he scores runs, it helps Surrey,” the official added.
Kohli will start his Surrey stint with a one day game against Kent June 1 at Beckenham. He will then play the second and third match of the Royal London Cup June 3 and 6 against Middlesex and Glamorgan respectively.
The four-day campaign will start against Hampshire in Southampton June 9 to 12 followed by a match against Somerset (at Guildford from June 20-23) and concluding with Yorkshire game at Scarborough (June 25 to 28).
Meanwhile, India’s Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara is expected to play against Kohli in the Yorkshire game as he will be back in the UK after playing the Test match against Afghanistan.
