He rocketed to social media fame as a cricket cult hero in 2019 for his sketchy bowling action but magnificent enthusiasm for the game — and now he’s gunning for a Big Bash League contract.
Romanian cricket cult hero Pavel Florin is in contention for a spot on a BBL roster after gaining entry into the tournament’s inaugural draft.
The nightclub bouncer was widely mocked on social media when footage of his bowling action went viral, but Shane Warne and Brian Lara sent him messages of support.
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Florin has since played club cricket in Australia, enjoyed VIP treatment in the president’s box at an Ashes Test at Lord’s and debuted for Romania in T20 cricket.
After getting in contact with BBL general manager Alistair Dobson, Florin is now in the running for a spot on any of the eight franchise rosters.
He tweeted a screenshot of his confirmation email and wrote: “Nothing is impossible!”.
“Maybe many people see me as a weak player but in my head I am the best player,” Florin added in another tweet.
“You know why? Because I do what I like and I love what I do … cricket.”
Florin is among about 200 international players — rising English county cricketers and stars of the T20 circuit — entered in the draft.
High-profile cricketers Faf du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Alex Hales are among those locked in for the draft on August 28.
The 12th edition of the BBL will get underway on December 13.
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