Ashok Dinda and James Hopes move to Pune from Delhi

Indian pacer Ashok Dinda and Australian all-rounder James Hopes will be playing for Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being traded by Delhi Daredevils.

“Ashok Dinda is a quality pacer, who has done well for the various teams he has represented in various formats of the game. He has also been part of the Indian team and impressed many with his incisive bowling,” said Abhijit Sarkar, Sahara Adventure Sports Ltd director, in a statement.

“The versatile James Hopes is an ideal cricketer to have in your camp, especially in the shortest format. Both players will boost our prospects in the upcoming tournament,” he added.

T.A. Sekar, Head (Cricket), GMR Sports Pvt Ltd, and Delhi Daredevils Team Mentor, said it was not an easy decision for Daredevils to let Hopes and Dinda go.

“They are both excellent cricketers and did well for our team last season. We wish James and Ashok the best in the time ahead,” he said.

Hopes played for the Kings XI Punjab while Dinda represented the Kolkata Knight Riders, before being acquired by the Delhi-based franchise in the 2011 IPL auction.

Hopes played 10 games for the Daredevils, leading the side in the last three games while Dinda played six games.