Kamau Leverock Excited By T20 Opportunity
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Kamau Leverock said he is eager to make the most of his opportunity in the Legends League Cricket [LLC] in India, hoping it could help him secure further opportunities in franchise competitions.
Leverock, who became eligible for the T20 league after retiring from international cricket in March, was drafted by the Gujarat franchise at the auction on Thursday [August 29]. He went for a price of 11 lakh [$13,000].
The 29-year-old joins a Gujarat line-up boasting former international stars such as Chris Gayle [West Indies], Liam Plunkett [England] and Shikhar Dhawan [India].
Despite his impressive form for the Bermuda national team, Leverock struggled to attract attention from other franchise competitions after his stint with the Vancouver Knights in the Global T20 Canada in 2018.
However, his retirement from the international game has opened new doors in franchise competitions.
“It’s a shame that I’ve had to retire from international cricket to get something going [in franchise competitions], Leverock told Bernews.
“My agent told me he would see what was out there and whether anyone was interested in me.
“It was a welcome surprise when he messaged me [on Thursday] to say I’d been chosen [by Gujarat]. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get some games and show what I can do.”
The all-rounder said the LLC, which attracted a television audience of 180 million last season, could provide him with a perfect platform to showcase his talent.
“I’ve had the opportunity to play with a few players on my team already [in the Global T20 Canada],” he said.
“It will be great to play alongside some legends of the game. Maybe more opportunities can come from this. I’ve learned it’s often not what you know, it’s who you know.”
Starting on September 20, the LLC features six teams – Konark Suryas, India Capitals, Southern Superstars, Manipal Tigers, Hyderabad and Gujarat.
Matches will be played across four cities – Jodhpur, Surat, Jammu and Srinagar – with the final scheduled for October 16.
Meanwhile, Leverock, who helped inspire Somerset to victory over St George’s in Cup Match, scoring 153 runs in the first innings, will focus on his domestic commitments when Flatts Victoria face Bailey’s Bay in the Eastern Counties Cup final at Lord’s today.
“Hopefully, I can continue my good form and help Flatts,” he added. “In recent years, we’ve played some decent cricket in County.
“The youngsters have been growing into the atmosphere that County brings. We’re hungry and getting closer to competing with the bigger teams in the competition.”
