Maccabi Ajax CC have signed Indian Jewish batsman Bensiyon Songavkar.

Songavkar, 25, who lives in Rajkot, is Maccabi’s first-ever international recruit. He will play for the 1st XI in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s South
Division.

Player of the tournament at last summer’s Maccabiah Games, Songavkar has played for his region Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy.

In Israel, he dominated with the bat, including scoring a memorable 50 in the final against South Africa and leading India to its first ever cricket medal at the Games.

“This is a huge accomplishment, and one that is something that our club, and committee should all feel really proud of,” said Maccabi President Jeff Israel.

The move materialised after discussions between the batsman and members of the Australian squad, including current Maccabi Ajax 1st XI captain David Majtlis. The player will be put up by a host family during his stay in Melbourne.

Israel said: “There have been many hours, possibly hundreds, of work and effort put in behind the scenes that was required to make this happen.”

Songavkar also represented Israel alongside Jonty Rhodes in a special series against India ‘A’ to celebrate Israel’s 60th anniversary in 2008.