Ashok Dinda, the highest wicket-taker in the 2011-12 first class season, and Australian all-rounder James Hopes will play for Pune Warriors India (PWI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 5 this season. PWI traded the two players with Delhi Daredevils.
Hopes played for Kings XI Punjab while Dinda was with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
“Dinda is a quality paceman who has done well for Bengal, East Zone, KKR and Delhi Daredevils. He has been a part of the Indian team as well and impressed one and all with his incisive bowling.
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“The versatile Hopes is an ideal player to have in your camp, especially in the shorter forms of the game. Both cricketers will boost our prospects in the upcoming IPL,” added Abhijit Sarkar, Director, Sahara Adventure Sports Ltd.
T.A Sekar, Head cricket, GMR Sports Pvt Ltd and Delhi Daredevils team mentor, said: “It was not an easy decision for Daredevils to let Hopes and Dinda go. They are both excellent cricketers and did well for our team last season. We wish James and Ashok the best in the time ahead.”
KKR's Shreevats Goswami, meanwhile, has been transferred to Rajasthan Royals while Mumbai Indians has signed South Africa's Richard Levi as a replacement for Andrew Symonds.
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“The countdown has well and truly begun for IPL 2012. With only forty days to go before the first match on April 4, the preparations for the tournament have gained momentum,” said Rajeev Shukla, chairman, IPL.