Zaheer Khan might play in the IPL 2018

India’s cash rich tournament Indian Premier League will enter its 11^th edition in the year 2018 and a big announcement might have been made during the 5^th ODI between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo. Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan might well feature in the next year’s edition.

Zaheer is currently a part of the commentary team on the Sri Lankan tour and while the final game was delayed due to rain, the panel in the pre match show got involved in a discussion about the future of the pacer in the IPL.

Cricket commentator and the host of the show, Harsha Bhogle made an announcement about Zaheer sweating it out in the gym and preparing for the IPL 2018.

“For fans of Zaheer Khan, he is back in the gym. He is playing one more season of the IPL. He is back in the gym, he is starting to train again,” said Harsha.

The left-handed fast bowler didn’t deny Harsha’s claims and replied with just a smile that could well mean that the Baroda pacer will be available for the prestigious event again.

Zaheer played for Delhi Daredevils in 2017 and also captained the side. Although the team didn’t do pretty well yet the skipper showed signs of good fitness. There is no official announcement yet from the BCCI about the auction for the next edition.

Whether the Board allows the franchises to retain a certain number of players or it will be an open auction, it remains to be seen. If the franchises are allowed to retain players, it will be interesting to see if DD opt for Zaheer and if not, he could well prove to be a valuable asset for any side with his canny bowling.

If Zaheer plays next year, it will be his 11^th straight season having been associated with franchises – Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils. He has played 100 IPL matches in which he has accounted for 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.59. If he indeed goes on to play again, it will be a treat for the Indian fans to see the master at work.