Last Update: January 06, 2023, 19:18 IST
Joshua Little took a hat-trick against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2022.
Meanwhile, he is also set to feature in the SA20 League, which begins on January 11 in Johannesburg, where he will play for the Pretoria Capitals.
Ireland’s Josh Little has had a fantastic 2022 season. It was nothing short of a breakout year for the Irish youngster, who took 39 wickets in 26 T20 matches throughout the year. No wonder, he was the hottest property when the IPL 2023 auction took place in Kochi on December 23. The 23-year-old was eventually bought by the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans for INR 4.4 Cr.
Furthermore, he would also become the only Irish player to play in a franchise tournament.
Meanwhile, he is also set to feature in the SA20 League, which begins on January 11 in Johannesburg, where he will play for the Pretoria Capitals. Ahead of the tournament, he was asked how he felt after being picked for so much money and especially being the only Irish player to feature in the IPL.
“Well, it’s a bit controversial because technically, I could be second but no, it’s a good feeling,” he told the press on the sidelines of the event.
Although no Irish player has ever featured in the IPL, Irish-born Eoin Morgan has played a part in the IPL since his debut in the tournament in 2010. He played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders leading them to the finals in IPL 2021.
“But yeah, just in a way, that’s what it is. I think I’m happy and can’t wait to get going. And but yes, there’s a lot of cricket to come before that. And yes, I’m happy.”
A lot of international matches will be missed because of the IPL. Mainly when Ireland are to tour Bangladesh in March, with a possible trip to Sri Lanka in April and the return trip to Bangladesh in May.
Earlier he had said that he wanted to play in the partnership of Hardik Pandya and Ashish Nehra.
“I am looking forward to playing under Hardik Pandya within such a high quality squad. I am also looking forward to working with coach Ashish Nehra and would like to thank the management team at Titans for putting their faith in me,” he told The Irish Times.
“I have loved playing international cricket for Ireland – and that will always be my priority, but to be able to learn and play in the IPL will be an incredible opportunity and thank you for Cricket Ireland for supporting me in this.
Gujarat Titans opened the bidding for Little before Lucknow Super Giants took the field. However, the Titans persisted with him and eventually acquired his services.
Little took a hat-trick in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2022 when he dismissed Kane Williamson, James Neesham and Mitchell Santner in the 19th over of New Zealand’s innings in Adelaide.
get the latest cricket news, the schedule And cricket live score Here