National cricketer Virandeep Singh is optimistic that his stint with Chitwan Tigers in the Everest Premier League in Nepal next month will open doors for more Malaysians to ply their trade abroad.
The 22-year-old achieved his dream of playing abroad by signing a contract recently with Chitwan for the T20 event on Sept 25-Oct 9.
Chitwan, captained by Nepal's national player Sompal Kami, will be vying for their first title after having failed in the last three editions.
"I am excited because I have achieved my dream of playing for a professional club abroad.
"I believe my participation in the Everest Premier League will open doors for more Malaysians to play abroad," said Virandeep yesterday.
"Our players are skillful but rarely get a chance to ply their trade overseas. I hope to do well with Chitwan to raise the profile of Malaysian players.
"It would also be a learning experience for me as Chitwan will also comprise players from Nepal. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. The team hope to win the league, and I hope to play an instrumental role in their success."
Chitwan have secured cricketers from Test nations — Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad, Karim Janat, Pakistan Danish Aziz and Sri Lanka's Seekkuge Prasanna.
The tournament comprises six teams with the top four qualifying for the playoffs.
The other five teams are defending champions Lalitpur Patriots, Bhairahawa Gladiators, Biratnagar Warriors, Katmandu Kings XI and Phokara Rhinos.
Nepal, although not a Test nation, are ranked World No 12 in T20, while their one-day international team are ranked 16th in the world.
Virandeep also hopes to use the stint to become a better player as he wants to help Malaysia qualify for the T20 World Cup in 2024.
"Malaysia, ranked World No 31 in T20 cricket, have to break into the top 20 to qualify for the World Cup.
"If more Malaysians are given opportunities to play abroad, I believe the national team will get stronger.
"It will boost our chances of doing well in T20 international matches," he added.
Virandeep is the second Malaysian to play for an established foreign club after Arul Suppiah, who had played county cricket for Somerset in England.
However, Arul quit the game following injuries when he was 29 years old.
