Kochi, Sunday 21 March 2010: Sreesanth today hailed the inclusion of a Kochi-based franchise in the Indian Premier League and said he would love to shift loyalty from Kings XI Punjab to the new side next year.

“I would love to play for Kerala because there is nothing like playing for a home team. I love Punjab and really enjoy playing for the Punjab team in IPL, but when you have your own State team, anyone would like to play for that,” Sreesanth, who hails from Kochi, said.

Little known consortium Rendezvous Sports World Limited today won the Kochi franchise of the Twenty20 League with a staggering bid worth $333.33 million. Sreesanth also hoped that a Kerala franchise will help the State produce more national level cricketers.

“It’s great news. I think, it’s a great opportunity for cricketers of Kerala who missed out on good chances to play in Ranji Trophy. Now this will give them a fine opportunity to showcase their talents,” Sreesanth said.

“I would like to thank (MoS for External Affairs) Sashi Tharoor and all others for this,” he added.