The finer details are still to be finalised, but the competition has been sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board
A new T20 competition will be launched in the United Arab Emirates, with the end of this year targeted for the first edition.
The finer details are still to be finalised, but the franchise tournament has been sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board.
In recent months, Abu Dhabi has hosted the 2020 Indian Premier League, which was moved to the UAE due to the coronavirus pandemic, and its own Abu Dhabi T10 League, which attracted several global stars, including Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran.
Dr. Tayeb Kamali, a board member of the Emirates Cricket Board and chair of the selection committee, said: “We are delighted with the launch of our own T20 League, one we believe will enhance the growth and popularity of cricket being played in the UAE.
- The T10 Debate: Specticism remains but batsmen are relearning what's possible
- The T10 Debate: It may help players, but it's an awful spectacle
“We also envisage that UAE-based players will continue to flourish through such opportunities as they continue to make their mark on the international stage.”
Khalid Al Zarooni, Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman and an Asian Cricket Council board member, added: “We see this League as another premier addition to our growing tournament calendar. Emirates Cricket, and the UAE, has a proven history of identifying and embracing initiatives that underpin the success of the game, as well as encourage and develop home-grown talent.”
A berth between December and January would pit the tournament against the Big Bash in the fight for overseas recruits.
Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.