Muhammad Waseem, the UAE cricket team captain, is set to lead the ILT20 Marvels in the inaugural ILT20 Development Tournament commencing on Saturday, September 30, at the ICC Academy Grounds in Dubai. This exciting event features six squads, each comprising 15 players, selected through a recent player draft.
The tournament holds immense significance as it provides a platform for UAE’s domestic cricket talent and international players who have represented the country in ODIs and T20Is. Their performances here will be closely observed by the DP World ILT20 franchises for potential inclusion in Season 2 squads.
Other team captains include Ali Abid for the ILT20 Blitzers, Muhammad Usman leading the ILT20 Braves, Karthik Meiyappan at the helm of ILT20 Dynamos, and the experienced UAE batter Rohan Mustafa taking charge of the ILT20 Thunderbolts.
During the group stage, each team will engage in five matches, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals. The culmination of this thrilling competition will see the final match on Tuesday, October 10.
The selection process for these six squads was overseen by their respective head coaches and support staff, which includes notable names such as Rizwan Arshad, Sandeep Dhuri, and Khurram Khan, among others. The Tournament Director, Andy Russell, played a crucial role in this process.
In addition to this development tournament, DP World ILT20 has retained 11 UAE players in their squads for Season 2, leaving 13 spots open for selection. Eight of the retained players, including Rohan Mustafa and Zahoor Khan, will also participate in the ILT20 Development Tournament. The remaining 13 spots for UAE players across the franchises will be filled through a DP World ILT20 organized Player Draft following the conclusion of this developmental tournament.
CEO of DP World ILT20, David White, expressed the league’s commitment to developing cricket in the UAE, highlighting how Season 1 had already nurtured emerging talents. He emphasized that this tournament would be a breeding ground for new stars, providing the franchises with a wealth of selection choices for Season 2. The ILT20 Development Tournament promises to showcase cricketing talent and foster growth in the sport within the UAE.
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