Kenya's Tanmay Mishra relishes IPL challenge

Middle-order Kenyan batsman Tanmay Mishra believes it is every cricketer's dream to play in the lucrative Indian Premier League which continues to attract the big-name stars.

The India-born, 25-year-old Mishra will become the first Kenyan player to feature in the league when he joins the Hyderabad-based franchise, Deccan Chargers for the 2012 season next month.

"The IPL gives opportunities for players like me to believe they can make it. It is one of the most exciting leagues in the world, and I want to be part of it," said Mishra, who will be one of the five uncapped cricketers to join the side.

"I look forward to sharing rooms with legends such as Kumar Sangakkara and Dale Steyn. I hope other young players will get inspired by what I can do with the Chargers," he added.

Although he has been signed as an Indian player, Mishra, who has lived in Kenya since childhood said he will continue to turn out for his country in international cricket.

"I am happy to be associated with the young Kenyan team, which is now re-building itself. We have a lot of natural talent in the team which is capable of reclaiming the top Associate place in the next two years.

Mishra has been included in the national squad preparing for next month's Twenty20 World Cup qualifying tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

The winners and runner-up at the 16-team tournament will qualify for the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in September and October.