Hobart Hurricanes' hopes hinge on their IPL stars

Chandigarh: Hobart Hurricanes, who open against Kings XI Punjab at Mohali on Thursday, are banking on their IPL players to do well in the Champions League T20.

"It is our first time here as a club and as a team, to be on the world stage and championship like this is wonderful for everybody," Hurricanes coach Damien Wright said.

"The supporters back home in Tasmania are going to be tuning in and watching us against some of the best players in the world," he said.

He said that "we have also got some very good experienced players who have been in the IPL and played international cricket. It's always nice to come to big tournaments and big competitions with experienced players. We have got lot of guys who played the IPL, played for Australia.

We have got some guys who are about to play for Australia..."

Wright felt that tournaments such as the CLT20 and IPL mean a lot for the young players.

"It is a wonderful chance for them to exploit their skills against some of the best and make a name for themselves. I think that's one of the key messages we have had to all those young kids who are part of our squad, this is a great opportunity. Wonderful place to play cricket against some really quality players," he said.

Asked if Shoaib Malik would be playing, the coach said, "yes, he is with us, absolutely. He has been a wonderful player for us. We have had a week in Sri Lanka, where he has certainly shown his class. He is a very valuable player in our squad".

The team captain Tim Paine said, "we are excited to play against KXIP on their home ground and looking forward to this match."

To a question, Paine said, they have drawn plans to contain KXIP's dangerous player Glenn Maxwell.