Virat Kohli set to play for Surrey for a nominal fee

Virat Kohli has confirmed a one-month stint with Surrey in the month of June in order to prepare himself for the trying English conditions before India’s long tour to the United Kingdom.

He will join the Surrey side after the conclusion of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The news was confirmed by the county side itself.

The Indian skipper is one of the richest cricketers in the world. Many believed that the contract will be a million dollar deal but that is not the case.

A BCCI official confirmed that the Indian skipper is keen on playing on English condition and not worried about the money.

“Contrary to popular belief that Virat will cost a bomb for Surrey, it was completely the other way round. Let’s get it clear. Surrey is paying airfare, accommodation and a very nominal match fee during the month” a senior BCCI official said, as quoted by News18.

“Since the Board and Virat himself was very keen, the monetary part was least of concern for us. We are not at liberty to quote the amount but it will be a very nominal amount that he will be paid and that is at par with any standard county player. We can vouch it’s a win-win deal for Surrey as well as for the BCCI,” he added.

The news of Kohli playing in English conditions was out in media in March only. But the BCCI was engaged about how much the county can use the skipper’s image which added delay to the contract.

“Obviously, Surrey wants to cash in on his image. But then Virat’s focus will be six games (Three Royal London Cup 50 over games and Three County four day games).

“There will be curiosity and marketing opportunities but we don’t want our captain to be unduly disturbed by peripheral activities. He is going there to prepare for England series and if he scores runs, it helps Surrey,” the official added.

Kohli will be playing a one-day against Kent at Beckenham on June 1. He will be playing the next games of the Royal London Cup on June 3 and 6 against Middlesex and Glamorgan respectively.

The test campaign will start against Hampshire in Southampton on June 9 to 12 followed by a match against Somerset (at Guildford from June 20-23) and concluding with Yorkshire game at Scarborough (June 25 to 28).