Sanju Samson will play on the opening night of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) season 2, starting Thursday, but his availability for the rest of the tournament remains doubtful due to national team commitments.

"Sanju will play the opener, but we don't have confirmation on how many more matches he will play, yet," said Saly Samson, captain of Kochi Blue Tigers, the franchise Sanju will represent in KCL-2. Saly is the elder brother of Sanju. 

Wicketkeeper batter Sanju was announced in India's 15-member squad for the Asia Cup on Tuesday. Though the BCCI has yet to confirm the travel plans, it is understood that the team will leave for Dubai on September 4 or 5. India are scheduled to play the United Arab Emirates at Dubai on September 10.

Sanju was not part of KCL-1 but went for a record ₹26.8 lakh in the auction ahead of the second season. Sanju's presence is certain to add glamour to the KCL that features six franchises.

L-R: Saly Samson, Krishna Prasad, Sachin Baby, Rohan Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen and Sijomon Joseph, the captains of the six Kerala Cricket League franchises. Photo: KCA
L-R: Saly Samson, Krishna Prasad, Sachin Baby, Rohan Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen and Sijomon Joseph, the captains of the six Kerala Cricket League franchises. Photo: KCA

Sanju's Blue Tigers will be in action against Trivandrum Royals in the second match of the day, starting at 7.45 pm. In the inaugural match, defending champions Kollam Sailors will take on Calicut Globstars, starting 2.30 pm.

The Sailors are led by Kerala's Ranji Trophy captain Sachin Baby, while stylish opener Rohan Kunnummal captains the Globstars. Alleppey Ripples and Thrissur Titans are the other two franchises in KCL. All the matches will be played at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

KCL Brand Ambassador, actor Mohanlal, will inaugurate the second season at 6.30 pm. The inaugural ceremony will feature a music and dance performance showcasing various art forms of Kerala, with 50 artists participating. The matches will be broadcast on Star Sports 3 and Asianet Plus, and also streamed on the FanCode app.

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