I just wanted to be a part of this exciting tournament: Chris Morris
"It's not about the money for me," Morris said.
South Africa’s first T2o league venture is all set to kick off in November 2017. The T20 Global League draft, that was held on Saturday and Sunday in Cape Town, saw famed Proteas all-rounder, Chris Morris as the first player to be signed. Morris was picked up by the Durban Qalanders Franchise.
Very few were surprised to see the Durban franchise lap up the impressive bowling all-rounder, owing to his stellar performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has scored 439 runs and also picked up 53 wickets in 48 matches. Morris, himself, was shocked at being picked first and that too, for a whopping sum of R 1.755 million. Incidentally, he had previously signed his IPL contract with the Delhi Daredevils team for $ 1 million.
Surprised at being selected first
Morris was extremely surprised and equally elated at being the first pick of the league draft, reported Sport24. “Very humbling. I think I’m the only person in this room to be surprised to go first, because everyone keeps telling me they’re not surprised,” he said.
The 30-year old further stressed on the fact that the money involved was not as important as the tournament he was eager to be a part of and said, “It’s not about the money for me. I just wanted to be a part of this exciting tournament that is taking place in my own country.”
Several local talents from South Africa, including Dane Paterson and JJ Smuts, were signed up by various franchises at the draft, thus providing much-needed exposure and recognition for them. Speaking about the same, Morris added, “I’m over the moon for some of the guys. I’ve messaged every single guy that I know that’s been picked. It’s good recognition for our players in South Africa. Guys are doubling their contracts and that’s just for six weeks work. It’s always nice to get a bonus like that. I think it will keep a lot of guys here.”
In particular, Morris expressed his joy at Paterson’s selection by saying, “He’s been chosen first for his team and he’s just been opening the bowling for South Western Districts. It’s nice to see.”
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