Better late than never.
Javon Searles has landed an Indian Premier League contract for the first time at the age of 31.
And the Barbadian fast bowling all-rounder is looking forward to the opportunity.
Searles, who has represented Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League for the past few seasons, was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – the two franchises have the same owners – for a base price of just over US$50 000 in last weekend’s auction.
“I am pretty excited to be given the chance from TKR to the extended family in India, KKR. I knew there was always a slim chance after performing the way I did in the CPL. I knew there was an outside chance because they are the owners of TKR. The link was there,” Searles told WEEKENDSPORT.
“I want to go out there and grasp the experience and look to improve my game.”
As a teenager, Searles was highly touted as an exciting fast bowler also capable of making a contribution with the bat, but never fulfilled expectations.
He made his first-class debut as a 22-year-old for Barbados and has captured 26 wickets in nine matches. But since playing his last four-day game in 2013, he has been regarded more of a specialist in the shorter forms of the game.
“I would have liked things to have gone a little different. I wanted to play Test cricket. I’m still looking to improve on my game. I’m still looking to go forward and this is a good platform to play in front of nice crowds and stuff like that. I want to improve my game and go further,” Searles said while conceding he was now more into the shorter formats.
“I might have to say so because that is how they see me on TV. I’m not involved in any four-day cricket. I only play cricket for Queen’s Park. They see me as a T20 player because they only see me on cricket playing T20.” (HG)