NEW DELHI – He might be the top earning cricketer in the world today butEnglish county side Surrey has got Virat Kohli for a dirt cheap deal as theBCCI was keen to ensure quality game time for the India captain ahead oftour of England.

Kohli, who will not play the one-off Test against Afghanistan and two T20Internationals against Ireland (all in June), is keen to redeem himself inthe Old Blighty in pursuit of greatness.

With the BCCI wanting it’s top players to get county exposure, the dealwith Surrey was finally inked only as late as this week.ADVERTISEMENT

“Contrary to popular belief that Virat will cost a bomb for Surrey, it wascompletely the other way round. Let’s get it clear. Surrey is payingairfare, accommodation and a very nominal match fee during the month,” asenior BCCI office-bearer privy to the deal told PTI on conditions ofanonymity.