Five players to watch out for in Champions League T20

With the conclusion of the Ashes and a few other tournaments, Twenty20 aficionados are all set to shout themselves hoarse as the 2013 edition of the Champions League T20 tournament gets underway on September 17.

The top four IPL teams (one qualifier) are the main draws at this event. However, the winners of the KFC Big Bash League are no less anticipated. Even the Faisalabad Wolves are eager to make their mark on Indian pitches in the hope that the impasse between the boards of both nations, owing to political tensions, ends soon. They happen to be the first Pakistan team to play in this league, which should excite their fans across the border.

Since the IPL has completed six seasons, most of the fans already know the players they will watch out for. It is the non-IPL squads which are relatively unknown – except for a few who have received their international caps.

Here are some of the players to watch out for in this edition of the CLT20:

5. James Hopes (Brisbane Heat; captain and all-rounder)

The Queensland all-rounder has been in excellent form of late despite a hamstring strain ruling him out of the semi-finals and finals of the second season of the BBL. He came up with a sterling all-round performance in the match against Warne’s Melbourne Stars, scoring 49 and taking three wickets as he steered his side closer for a spot in the semis.

Having once captained his former IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils in the 2011 season owing to Sehwag’s absence, and turning out for the Kings XI Punjab in each of the first three seasons, the former Australian cricketer, who has battled injuries and also knows Indian conditions like the back of his hand, will be the go-to man for his side in terms of scoring runs or taking wickets, along with his astute captaincy.

Hopes’s key strengths are his accuracy and nagging line with the ball, and his ability to consistently clear the fence as well as keep the scoreboard ticking. The Heat will look to their captain for inspiration as they seek to add another major Twenty20 title to their collection.