New Delhi: The IPL is set to see participation of a player from the USA for the first time with Kolkata Knight Riders roping in fast bowler Ali Khan for Harry Gurney, who puled out of the tournament last month to undergo a shoulder injury.

According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, Ali’s signing — once approved — will make him the first American player to feature in the IPL.

Ali was part of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 winners Trinbago Knight Rider squad. It was the fourth CPL title win for the Knights. The right-handed bowler picked eight wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 7.43.

In 2018, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had named Khan as one of the five breakout stars in men’s cricket. The pacer had burst on to the limelight the same year at the Global T-20 Canada, where he caught the attention of Jamaican cricketer Dwayne Bravo, who brought him to the CPL.

An IPL official, while speaking to ANI, had said that the fact that Restrata was handling the bio-bubbles in both the UK and UAE could work in favour of the English and Australian players and help them get onto the ground without having to go for the six-day quarantine.

“Restrata is the common factor in both the UK and UAE when it comes to creating the bio-secure environment and they would be very much aware what needs to be done to ensure that the bubble doesn’t break when it comes to the players travelling from England to Dubai to be a part of the IPL.

“So, Restrata handling the bubbles in both places can actually work in favour of the players and save them from undergoing six days of quarantine if they have the Covid negative report with them,” the official explained.

The IPL 2020 will be played in the UAE from September 19-November 10 and the tournament will run for 53 days.