Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
It’s a busy few weeks for the UAE national cricket team, who will be playing back-to-back international events - a tri-series with Afghanistan and Pakistan (August 29 - September 7) and the Asia Cup (September 9-28).
These follow a domestic tournament that got under way this week at the ICC Academy in Dubai.
The third DP World Development Tournament for the International League Twenty20 (ILT20) comes at an opportune time (August 25 to 31) as it will split the domestic players into six teams, with the best of the talent going on to play in the main tournament which begins on December 2 and will feature the world’s best players. The ILT20 is the second biggest league already in terms of broadcast numbers.
David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, highlighted the tournament’s growth, its role in developing young talent, and its contribution to UAE cricket’s depth and professionalism.
“It’s a great opportunity for young men to stake a claim to be selected in the full tournament. Last year, there was a big improvement in the standard, and I’m sure it’s going to be an even higher standard again this year.
“Not only their skills, but also their attitude, their strength and conditioning, the whole level of professionalism has increased. We’ve already had success stories. The fact that they get to perform in front of cameras, with matches streamed live, adds both pressure and incentive at the same time,” White explained.
This year, an auction process will see teams bidding for the players. So the Developing Tournament is also a chance for UAE players to showcase their talent and impress the team scouts. “When they get selected, they’ll not only participate in the league but also train with world-class coaches,” White said.
“The league last year really stepped up. It is very pleasing now that we are talked about, in global cricket terms, as one of the big leagues. When everyone talks about the big leagues around the world, they talk about DP World ILT20 as well. We’re now mainstream, we’re a league that’s growing, getting bigger.
“The UAE team have increased their depth, they now qualify for the Asia Cup, and they have the ability to beat any team on the day. What’s exciting about the Asia Cup is that Afghanistan, Pakistan and UAE have had a lot of experience playing in the DP World ILT20, in these conditions, which will certainly help them.”
