The race is on for coveted spots in the DP World International League T20 (ILT20), with around 80 players competing for the final 13 contracts allocated to UAE-based cricketers. The six franchises are set to gather over Zoom to select their local players for the league’s second season, scheduled to kick off in January.
Each team is mandated to include four local players in their squad, and a recent adjustment to eligibility criteria has broadened the pool of potential players for this premier T20 tournament in the UAE. Previously, only those qualified to represent the national team by birth or through the ICC’s three-year residency rule were eligible. However, the revised rules now permit players who have lived in the country for at least a year and are committed to qualifying for the UAE national team.
Five of the six franchises have retained two UAE players from the inaugural season. The Gulf Giants, the reigning champions, continue to have Aayan Khan and Sanchit Sharma in their ranks. Sharjah Warriors have retained Junaid Siddique and Mohammed Jawadullah, while MI Emirates secured Muhammad Waseem and Zahoor Khan. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are holding on to Matiullah Khan and Sabir Ali, with Desert Vipers retaining Ali Naseer and Rohan Mustafa.
Dubai Capitals, having retained Akif Raja, have three spots open for new talent, offering the chance to play alongside cricketing luminaries like Mark Wood and David Warner in ilt20 in the forthcoming campaign.
The competition for these prized spots is intense, as evident from the high level of play seen in the ILT20 development tournament that concluded recently. This tournament provided players the platform to showcase their skills to potential employers for the main event. Asif Khan, already an established UAE international player, was the standout performer, leading the Braves to victory.
While the tournament highlighted seasoned talents, it also unearthed promising prospects who are working towards eligibility to represent the UAE in international competition. One such talent is Haider Ali, a 29-year-old left-arm spinner who claimed 15 wickets during the tournament, including a pivotal 4 for 11 in the final that secured victory for the Braves over the Blitzers. Haider, who has been residing in the UAE for a year and a half after moving from Lahore, aspires to play for the UAE at the international level.
In a competitive field of left-arm spinners in the UAE, Haider joins the ranks alongside established spinner Aayan Khan, who is just 17 years old. The likes of Nilansh Keswani, Jash Giyanani, and Rahul Bhatia have also been knocking on the door of the senior national team. The competition among these left-arm spinners is robust, with each vying for the opportunity to represent the UAE on the international stage.
As Haider puts it, “That is cricket.” His success in the development tournament has garnered attention, with players and franchises acknowledging his talent. It remains to be seen which franchise will secure the services of this rising left-arm spinner, adding another layer of competition to the league.
Also, see:
Top bowlers in World Cup 2023 so far
