Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE's rapid rise as a global cricket hub takes centre stage again on Tuesday when the fourth season of the International League Twenty20 (ILT20) begins, bringing a month of high-profile action to the three venues across the country – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
Now established as the region's flagship franchise tournament, the league enters a new phase with its first player auction and the addition of cricketers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, reflecting the growing depth of the game in the Gulf.
Captains and senior players from the six franchises gathered on Monday, outlining their expectations for a season that again draws some of world cricket's most recognisable names.
Among them was Kieron Pollard, who has taken over the captaincy of MI Emirates from Nicholas Pooran and is entering yet another chapter of a career that has spanned the world's biggest leagues.
Pollard said the UAE remained one of his favourite stops on the franchise circuit, not just for the conditions but for the professionalism of the tournament and the quality of local talent. "We love the place itself. It is the best time to play here also.
The UAE is always exciting and it's a good to have it this time around the New Year, which gives us an added incentive," he said.
"We just need to play consistent cricket – it's a matter of understanding what's needed at a particular time. From a planning perspective, we got exactly the team we needed with great UAE players like Muhammad Waseem, Rohid and Zahoor Khan. In this tournament, we always see the best international players, so the level of competition is very high."
Asked how the ILT20 compares with the other leagues he has featured in, the West Indies veteran said the standards and environment in the UAE make it a destination players look forward to. "It's right up there," he said. "Every year the competition improves, and the organisation and conditions are as good as anywhere else in the world."
Sharjah Warriorz captain Tim Southee said he expected the introduction of players from the region to follow the trajectory of UAE cricket's own improvement in recent years. Season 4 opens with a repeat of last season's final, as champions Dubai Capitals face Desert Vipers.
