Sri Lanka legend signs on for two seasons with Hobart Hurricanes
Sri Lanka superstar Kumar Sangakkara has joined the Hobart Hurricanes for the fifth season of the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash League. Sangakkara has signed a two-year deal and the batsman is looking to renew a love affair with a city where he averages 79 in Test cricket and 69in ODIs at Blundstone Arena. “I have always loved Hobart when visiting with the Sri Lankan team, the people are friendly, the scenery is beautiful and I am looking forward to spending more time there and getting to see more of it,” Sangakkara said in a statement.
Guys it’s a great privilege to sign for the @HurricanesBBL. Looking forward to playing in a fantastic tournament and for a great side.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) May 6, 2015
Hurricanes coach Damien Wright added said the signing was not just a coup for Hobart, but for the BBL overall. “Kumar is not only an extremely talented batsman but also a leader which is also fantastic,” Wright said. Sangakkara scored 541 runs at 108.2 during the 2015 World Cup, including an incredible, record-breaking four centuries in a row, the fourth of which was 124 against Scotland in Hobart. Sangakkara has played seven matches in Hobart over his 15-year career – two Tests and five one-day internationals. He scored 192 on the ground in a Test match in November 2007, seemingly robbed of a double-century when given out after the ball deflected off his shoulder to second slip in the days before the decision review system.
He also scored an OID century in Hobart against India in February 2012 before this year’s World Cup knock. The Sri Lankan legend will be 38 by the time BBL|05 rolls around and brings a wealth of experience, having played 130 Tests, 404 ODIs and 56 Twenty20 internationals. He is currently playing alongside Kevin Pietersen in English county cricket after being overlooked in this year’s Indian Premier League auction. Sangakkara will partner with former West Indies captain Darren Sammy as the team’s two international signings for BBL|05. “In speaking with Wrighty, it sounds like we are putting together a really exciting list for this year and I can’t wait to get into the season,” Sangakkara said.
