Sheldon Jackson will play now from this team, took a big decision at the age of 33

Sheldon Jackson will play for Puducherry

Former India and Mumbai fast bowler Avishkar Salvi was recently appointed as the coach of the Puducherry team. Star batsman Sheldon Jackson, who played a key role in Saurashtra's first Ranji Trophy title last season, will play for Puducherry in domestic cricket this year. The cricketer has said that the decision was not 'easy' for him.

Right-hander Jackson scored 809 runs in the 2019-20 season at an average of 50.56 in 10 matches (18 innings). Jackson said in a Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) release, 'It has been one of the most difficult decisions for me and it was not easy for me, but I think it was a great opportunity to move forward and be a professional for another team or state. It is the right time to play in form.

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Puducherry Cricket Association (CAP) secretary V Chandran told PTI that pacer Pankaj Singh will once again play for Puducherry after being ruled out due to injuries in the previous season, while another star batsman of domestic cricket Paras Dogra is the third of the team. Guests will be players.

Jackson, who made his 2011 debut for Saurashtra, has scored 5634 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 49.42, including 19 centuries and 27 half-centuries. Jackson has received a No Objection Certificate from SCA for playing for any other association in domestic cricket.

Jackson, 33, said, "The journey so far has been fantastic and I am grateful to the Saurashtra Cricket Association for standing with me in good and bad times." SCA President Jaydev Shah appreciated Jackson and wished him all the best for the future.

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Welcoming Jackson, the CAP Secretary said, 'As guest players, he has signed with Sheldon Jackson, Paras Dogra and Pankaj Singh for the 2020-21 season. All three have long established themselves as top players in the Ranji Trophy.