Haris set for CPL stint with Warriors

Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz is also ready to join the same brigade

Bangladesh allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is set to make his Caribbean Premier League debut after being signed by Guyana Amazon Warriors as a replacement for Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi.

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris will also join the Amazon Warriors, replacing Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Nabi and Gurbaz are leaving the CPL to join Afghanistan’s national team for a three-match T20I series against India beginning September 13.

Nabi had opted to remain with Guyana for the CPL and missed Afghanistan’s recent ODI series against Ireland, which Afghanistan won 4-0. He will now link up with the national side for the India series.

The experienced allrounder has been a key figure in Guyana’s impressive campaign, with the Warriors winning 10 of their 11 matches across the Global Super League and CPL.

Nabi leaves the CPL as the tournament’s leading spinner for wickets, with 12 in six innings at an economy rate below six. Four of those wickets came in Sunday’s victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Providence, which secured Guyana’s place in the playoffs.

Amazon Warriors captain Imran Tahir praised Nabi’s contribution.

“He’s been an absolute legend,” Tahir said after the win over the Patriots.

“He’s one of the best offspinners in world cricket at the moment and that’s the reason we got him. He can bat and is a really good slip fielder.”

“From GSL till now, his lengths are so good and he never missed anything in any game. We’re really going to miss him.”

Gurbaz also made an impact during his brief CPL campaign, scoring 93 runs in two innings. He made 54 from 35 balls against Jamaica Kingsmen and 39 from 25 balls against the Patriots.

Mehidy, who is not part of Bangladesh’s T20I squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, will be available to Guyana for the remainder of the CPL season.

The 28-year-old had previously been signed by Trinbago Knight Riders as a replacement player in 2017 but did not play a match, meaning his arrival at Guyana is set to mark his CPL debut.

Haris is a familiar figure to the Amazon Warriors, having represented the franchise during the Global Super League in July and August.

Guyana also have other options to cover Gurbaz’s departure. Glenn Phillips could return to the playing XI, with Shai Hope taking over wicketkeeping duties, while local batter Matthew Nandu provides another option as a reserve opener.

Despite Guyana already securing a playoff berth, Tahir said his side could not afford to relax.

“Just really proud of the boys, we’ve been playing really good cricket in all the departments,” he said.

“We’re nicely sitting on top (of the table), but we’re not taking things for granted.”

Elsewhere, St Lucia Kings have brought in Guyana batter Kemol Savory as a replacement for Ackeem Auguste, who has been sidelined for medical reasons.

Savory, 29, is uncapped in the CPL and will join the Kings for the remainder of the campaign. Auguste had featured in five matches this season.

“Ackeem’s health and well-being remain the team’s priority, and he will receive the necessary care and support during this period,” the Kings said in a statement.

“The St Lucia Kings wish Ackeem a full and speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back when he is medically cleared to return.”