Today's Edition
Kuumar Shyam (Abu Dhabi)
One of the two hindrances for the success of the world's second-richest Twenty20 league has been removed. The DP World International League T20 received a major boost as the International Cricket Council has awarded it the prestigious List A status.
It means that the tournament statistics and player performances will go into the record books with official recognition from the world governing body. Season 2 begins next month. The DP World ILT20 is the first ICC Associate Member league to have received the recognition.
David White, the league Chief Executive Officer, said: "Earning the List A status is a major milestone for the DP World International League T20. We would like to thank the ICC for the acknowledgment. The recognition is a clear indication of the strength and stature of our league."
The league succeeded in attracting some of the most high-profile players and franchises on the T20 circuit. However, many names were still missing owing to the fact that players were unsure about making space in packed calendars for the non-listed tournament, even at world-class venues of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
Three of the six franchises are local arms of organisations in the richest tournament – the Indian Premier League. Two more, one owned by Gautam Adani (Gulf Giants) and the other by Rajesh Sharma (Sharjah Warriors), made the Indian representation to five teams.
Resultantly, none of the Indian players have been released by the Indian cricket board while the ownership of the teams has restricted entry for Pakistan players.
It remains to be seen how much of the List A status convinces the Indian board to release its players. The tournament opener on January 19 will see defending champions Gulf Giants clash with hosts Sharjah Warriors at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Season 2 will feature T20 superstars like David Warner, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, David Willey, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Woakes, Chris Lynn and Maheesh Theekshana. More than 100 international and 24 UAE players will feature in the tournament.
