Pune Warriors pick Tamim Iqbal to complete foreign quota

New Delhi, March 29 (IANS) Pune Warriors have signed Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal for the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), filling their quota of foreign players.

Tamim's selection in the Pune franchise comes in the wake of a successful Asia Cup where he scored four consecutive fifties.

He becomes the second Bangladesh player who will be seen in IPL-V after all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Pune Warriors Wednesday signed Australia captain Michael Clarke as a replacement for Yuvraj Singh.

"I can gain a lot of experience by playing with greats like Sourav Ganguly and Michael Clarke. I like to talk a lot about cricket so I think I am lucky to be playing with them and look forward to learning new things," Tamim was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

"It will be an extra boost, so it is very important that I do well. More importantly, just like Shakib opened the door for me, I would want that with my inclusion in the IPL, it will let other players from my country to play in this competition.

"With the T20 World Cup coming up this year, it will be a big opportunity for me to perform in the format," he said.

Prior to Asia Cup, the left-hand batsman struggled for runs in the Bangladesh Premier League. He played two matches for the Chittagong Kings, scoring only eight runs.