It's been almost four years since Yusuf Pathan last featured for India on the international circuit. But the right-hander is back in the news for a unique feat he achieved after signing up for the Hong Kong League.

The explosive batsman has become the first Indian male cricketer to sign for an overseas franchise-based T20 league and feels that it will be ideal preparation for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

"I firstly want to thank the BCCI and BCA for giving me the NOC. I am really excited about this venture and I think it will be good preparation for the IPL. That is why I signed for it," Yusuf, who plays for KKR in the IPL, revealed.

Huge news for @KowloonCantons fans & the DTC Hong Kong T20 Blitz as India's Yusuf Pathan signs on! #HKT20Blitz https://t.co/16qYQyO30J

The 34-year-old will be seen sporting the jersey of Kowloon Cantons for the tournament's second edition, slated to begin on 8 March. He will be playing alongside Pakistan's Shahid Afridi and England's latest find Tymal Mills - who looked impressive in the recent T20 series against India.

Other prominent signings for the league include Sri Lankan veterans Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan. On the other hand, West Indies' Darren Sammy, New Zealand's James Franklin and the former South African spinner Johan Botha will also be seen in action.

Pathan, who has represented Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, has proved to be a great addition to the IPL over the years. The right-handed batsman has scored 2761 runs over the nine editions of the IPL and is amongst the top-15 run-scorers in the tournament.

BCCL

His batting prowess was at full display during his 15-ball half-century (fastest fifty in the IPL) against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2014 edition of the IPL. He also boasts of a blistering 37-ball hundred he slammed against Mumbai Indians in 2010.

Hong Kong T20 Blitz, a four-team event, will span over a period of five days with Cantons, Galaxy Gladiators Lantau, City Kaitak and Hong Kong Island United vying for the title.