Brendon McCullum says it would be great if Rehan gets picked in the IPL auction

Brendon McCullum. File photo | Photo Credit: Reuters

England red-ball coach Brendon McCullum says it would be “awesome” if leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed lands an IPL deal after his impressive Test debut and wants the teenager to play more franchise cricket.

The 18-year-old Ahmed became the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut as he took impressive figures (5/48) against Pakistan in the third Test here.

Ahmed, who already has a deal to play in the inaugural ILT20 in the UAE in January and February, has entered the IPL auction to be held in Kochi on Friday with a base price of ₹40 lakh.

“It would be great if he gets selected in the IPL. If he does, it will be fantastic,” McCullum told BBC’s Test Match Special on Tuesday.

“Why hasn’t he been given the chance to rub shoulders with other players and get those experiences? Are other 18-year-olds going to get these opportunities?” The man, who coached Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL season, said he would encourage youngsters to play franchise cricket.

“The important thing now is that we continue to look after him,” the former New Zealand captain said.

“I would encourage him to play as much franchise cricket as possible and get as much experience around the world and play with different players, with different coaches and in different conditions.”