Two former Indian Premier League (IPL) players, Akshdeep Nath and Harpreet Singh Bhatia, made their international debut for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against Nepal on April 20 (Monday). Their debuts came in the first T20I of the series at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Akshdeep last played in the IPL in 2019, but the Lucknow-born batter turned up for his state Uttar Pradesh as recently as 2024. Harpreet, on the other hand, played for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2023 and 2024, after turning up for Pune Warriors India (PWI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) previously, accumulating nine appearances in total.
Akshdeep represented Gujarat Lions (GL), PBKS and finally Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), playing 14 matches overall.
How did they get the chance to play for UAE?
The duo were awarded a UAE passport recently, and by ICC’s rules, they are eligible to play for their new country “by his/her possession of a valid passport issued by the relevant country.”
Previously, there was a three-year residency rule where a player could be eligible to play for their adopted country if their “primary and permanent home in the relevant country for the immediately preceding three years.”
Chasing 78 in 10 overs in a rain-curtailed match, while Harpreet was dismissed for just 2, Akshdeep finished the game for his side, scoring an unbeaten 17 off just 8, which included a couple of sixes.
This was a historic game for Nepal as they hosted an international match under lights for the first time at TU.
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