Gulf Giants (149/3) defeat Desert Vipers (146/8) by 7 wickets to win the inaugural edition of ILT20

[MenInG]

The UAE’s new Twenty20 franchise league will start in January 2022.

The Emirates Cricket Board have confirmed the new, six-team competition will be known as the Premier League T20.

They say it will involve “some of the biggest names in world cricket while also giving a platform and international exposure to upcoming players”.

The tournament is likely to have competition for players of global renown. The Pakistan Super League is reportedly targeting a January-February window for its next season.

However, it is understood the new competition is set to offer salaries to compete with any of the sport's major leagues, possibly with the involvement of Indian Premier League owners.

It is the latest addition to a packed calendar for cricket in the Emirates for the coming season.

The postponed 2021 IPL season will be played to its climax between September and October of this year.

Just days after the IPL final, which will be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, October 15, the T20 World Cup is set to start.

That global tournament will be played across four venues – the three established UAE grounds in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai, plus Al Amerat in Oman.

Currently, the Abu Dhabi T10 is scheduled to take place shortly after the World T20 conclusion, across 15 days in November and December.

According to Dr Tayab Kamali, the ECB’s selection committee chairman, the deluge of high-profile cricket tournaments will only serve to benefit UAE cricketers.

“With PLT20, we are delighted that the UAE now has a series of cricket tournaments involving all major formats that will bring together the best of international players alongside national players,” Dr Tayab said.

A T20 franchise competition for the Emirates has been mooted for some years.

A number of the world’s leading players, such as Eoin Morgan, AB de Villiers and Andre Russell, had been recruited to play in a competition that was due to be known as the “UAE T20x” in December 2018.

That was cancelled a month before it was due to start, when only two of five planned franchises were purchased.

However, the ECB revised their plans and discussed launching a new franchise tournament in 2020, only for that to prove unfeasible because of Covid-19.

Now, though, plans are advanced to the point they have announced the window in the calendar when they plan to start, and have revealed the competition’s logo, too.

“We hope that this logo serves its intended purpose to unite, excite and generate a sense of pride throughout the cricket community – players and fans – across the world,” Khalid Al Zarooni, the league’s chairman, said.

https://www.thenationalnews.com/spo...se-t20-league-set-for-launch-in-january-2022/

 

[MenInG]

The owners of Manchester United football club, a Big Bash League (BBL) team, and three franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have joined the newly-introduced Emirates T20 League, Times of India reported.

The franchises of the six-team tournament that will kick off next year are owned by the Glazer family of Man United, the owners of Sydney Sixers (BBL), Shah Rukh Khan of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Ambani family of Mumbai Indians, GMR Group of Delhi Capitals, and a financial services company Capri Global.

The league, run by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), was initially proposed in 2019 but was pushed back by the coronavirus pandemic.

However, it is now expected to commence early next year, tentatively in January.

Australia skipper Paine steps down after texting scandal

The report suggests that the ECB is close to signing a broadcast deal soon, after which the schedule for the drafts and the league will be finalised.

“January is a great time to play cricket in the UAE. The destination caters to multiple time zones, especially in the west. It suits prime-time in the Indian sub-continent very well, as we have seen in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup,” said an industry expert tracking developments.

As per Times of India, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were also interested in the league initially, however, they backed out at the last moment, to be filled in by Delhi Capitals.

South Africa's AB de Villiers announces retirement from all cricket

Meanwhile, the Glazers and the Capri Global had both submitted bids for the recently-auctioned two IPL franchises, but fell short by “a few hundred crores.”

The ‘desert league’ as one organiser called it, will work on a unique business model that will see “franchises invest on an annual basis and work on substantial returns as part of sponsorship and broadcast deals”, according to TOI.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/4013...chester-united-owner-join-emirates-t20-league

 

[anonymous_guy]

The owners of Manchester United football club, a Big Bash League (BBL) team, and three franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have joined the newly-introduced Emirates T20 League, Times of India reported.

The franchises of the six-team tournament that will kick off next year are owned by the Glazer family of Man United, the owners of Sydney Sixers (BBL), Shah Rukh Khan of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Ambani family of Mumbai Indians, GMR Group of Delhi Capitals, and a financial services company Capri Global.

The league, run by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), was initially proposed in 2019 but was pushed back by the coronavirus pandemic.

However, it is now expected to commence early next year, tentatively in January.

Australia skipper Paine steps down after texting scandal

The report suggests that the ECB is close to signing a broadcast deal soon, after which the schedule for the drafts and the league will be finalised.

“January is a great time to play cricket in the UAE. The destination caters to multiple time zones, especially in the west. It suits prime-time in the Indian sub-continent very well, as we have seen in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup,” said an industry expert tracking developments.

As per Times of India, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were also interested in the league initially, however, they backed out at the last moment, to be filled in by Delhi Capitals.

South Africa's AB de Villiers announces retirement from all cricket

Meanwhile, the Glazers and the Capri Global had both submitted bids for the recently-auctioned two IPL franchises, but fell short by “a few hundred crores.”

The ‘desert league’ as one organiser called it, will work on a unique business model that will see “franchises invest on an annual basis and work on substantial returns as part of sponsorship and broadcast deals”, according to TOI.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/4013...chester-united-owner-join-emirates-t20-league

In January! Again trying to cut through PSL.
BCCI doing everything it can to hurt leagues in Pak, from sending emails to the foreigners to not participate in the KPL, to starting MSL (Masters league) just when PSL was started to this, and others things too recently.

They want to kill the competition neck and crop.

 

[Charmander]

T20 was fine especially at the domestic level. But after the first wt20, other boards went in its favor as well due to the massive financial incentives. Not to forget, IPL was started to sort of contain the rival ICL and every board threw their support behind BCCI cause their players were signing with ICL.
T20 was already played at u19 level way in Pak way before England introduced it as a tournament.

The other gimmicky formats they have been trying to create are now just pushing it. T10, 3TC and now the hundred and the 9090.
Hundred is such a stupid idea though and there isn't much difference between t20 and a 100 match in terms of reducing the time for a game either. Don't see it taking off well.

what is 3TC?

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

That involvement will also bring with it the prospect of enhanced financial status, with a mooted salary cap of "not less than USD $1.5 million,"
This will be some money and if it takes off, IPL and PSL will have tough time attracting top talent.

 

[Major]

The Circus continues. More opportunities for the bookies.

Well psl and ipl are part of that circus

If one country can have their league why not the other?
This is the future of cricket, whether anyone likes it or not. And it will be through leagues the sport will expand. International cricket was a failiure, atleast these leagues gets local players to rub shoulders with foreingers and make the sport abit interesting.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

That involvement will also bring with it the prospect of enhanced financial status, with a mooted salary cap of "not less than USD $1.5 million,"
This will be some money and if it takes off, IPL and PSL will have tough time attracting top talent.

IPL Salary Cap for upcoming season is 12mn+ So not really a threat for IPL.

 

[MenInG]

Reliance Industries Limited, through its subsidiary Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Ltd (RSBVL) will be acquiring the rights to own and operate a new franchise cricket team in the Emirates Cricket Board’s upcoming UAE T20 League. The move is the first major overseas expansion of Reliance Industries’ cricket operations in the global franchise-based cricket leagues.

The cricket business will now include two cricket clubs in addition to their other cricket related initiatives including sponsorship, consultancy, broadcast, and talent management.

RIL through Mumbai Indians is amongst the eight founding members of the IPL and over the years has evolved as the most successful cricket club both on-and-off the field. The deal will see UAE’s T20 League benefit from the company’s commercial and cricket know-how, promising a new and exciting brand of cricket for the Emiratis along with the best learnings, experiences, and entertainment.

Chairman of the UAE T20 League and vice chairman ECB Mr. Khalid Al Zarooni feels that RILs investment in UAE T20 League demonstrates the confidence of the corporate industry in UAE’s vision and ability to deliver a world class cricketing event.

“We aim to transform cricket in the UAE through the UAE T20 League. Our wider plan includes expansion of cricket through various development programs being conducted in UAE by the League franchisees including talent hunts, coaching, and training by some of the best in the business,” says Mr Zarooni.

“RIL has the legacy with a proven track record in establishing the most successful team in franchise cricket. Association of vanguard like RIL with the League demonstrates the confidence in our system and the strength of our infrastructure to deliver world class events. We are pleased to welcome RIL onboard and look forward to having an exciting and continuing alliance,” he added.

Commenting on the occasion, Mrs. Nita Ambani, co-owner & architect of Mumbai Indians said, “With great pride and joy, we take our Mumbai Indians brand of fearless cricket to a new geography. We are thankful to our fans, both in India and overseas, for supporting MI wholeheartedly. I look forward to strengthening and further expanding our global fanbase, and having a longer engagement with them through this new League. While Mumbai Indians will continue to remain at the heart of our cricket operations, the popularity of global T20 leagues and attractiveness of the UAE market offer a unique opportunity for us to further unlock the value of our sports management expertise. It also allows us a platform to develop young international talent and share best practices both on and off the field.”

Mr. Akash Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians believes that the UAE T20 League presents a unique opportunity to build on existing global partnerships and benefit the growth of cricket in UAE.

Says Mr. Akash Ambani: “We are extremely proud to have created a global franchise in Mumbai Indians, integrated with high values and ethos and our contribution to the Indian cricket ecosystem. We are equally confident of shaping another successful brand in the UAE and bring in our experiences to benefits the growth of cricket in the UAE.”

Mr. Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary ECB said: “The trust being shown by prominent business houses in the UAE T20 League is extremely encouraging. We are pleased with RIL’s association with the League as a franchise team owner. Having seen the professionalism in the operations of Mumbai Indians in the IPL, their success in putting together the most successful team in franchise cricket and the passion with which they pursue their goals, we are very confident that this association will be mutually beneficial for both RIL and the League and will support cricket development in UAE.”

UAE T20 League sanctioned by Emirates Cricket Board will be held annually. For the initial few years, the League will feature 6 franchise teams competing in a 34-match event. The League will involve some of the biggest names in world cricket and provide a platform and exposure to upcoming young cricketers.

Having RIL on board to the UAE T20 League is the first in a series of other important announcements about the League to be made in the upcoming days

 

[MenInG]

PSL management better get their skates on if they wish to stay ahead of the competition.

 

[Savak]

PSL management better get their skates on if they wish to stay ahead of the competition.

Ramiz mentioned he wants a new PSL Window i.e. the Summers and wants to diversify and hold the competition in the cooler areas of Pakistan like Quetta, Gilgit Baltistan, Abbottabad e.t.c. They definately need to increase the Salary Caps and find ways to pump money into the PSL.

 

[shujaatraza]

Looks like PSL will now have associate players as their foreign players if both the leagues overlap each other.

 

[JaDed]

Things rich people do for their kids, zoos to buying clubs lol or building entire wrestling federation.

In all honesty was there even a need for this league? I wish they bring back the Champions league rather, was much for fun.

 

[Saj]

There was always going to be a plan to rival the PSL in terms of timings and this will be it.

We'll see who the real friends of Pakistan cricket and PSL are when those players are offered a few more dollars at this league.

 

[Babeikh]

There was always going to be a plan to rival the PSL in terms of timings and this will be it.

We'll see who the real friends of Pakistan cricket and PSL are when those players are offered a few more dollars at this league.

Yep, will be very tough for PSL to compete if this league is held at the same time.

PSL will need to find a new window, at the very least.

 

[Savak]

There was always going to be a plan to rival the PSL in terms of timings and this will be it.

We'll see who the real friends of Pakistan cricket and PSL are when those players are offered a few more dollars at this league.

We have now had 6 PSL seasons, has it ever occurred to the PCB that the PSL was competing very heavily against the BPL, BBL and being held right before the IPL meant that the big IPL names will not risk injury and losing out on life changing sums of money a few days before the IPL. The PCB should have worked over drive to find a new window a long time ago, they are always content playing catch up

 

[Savak]

UAE T20 League sells broadcast rights for $150 million for ten years

ZEEL re-enters sports broadcasting biz, acquires UAE T20 League TV rights for 10 years

Sources say the broadcaster will be paying $15 million per year as broadcast rights fee for the league

by Javed Farooqui

Updated: Nov 30, 2021 9:06 AM

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has acquired the broadcast rights for the Emirates Cricket Board's (ECB) UAE T20 League for a period of 10 years, sources close to the development have told exchange4media. The sources further stated that the broadcaster will be paying $15 million per year as broadcast rights fee for the league. Thus, the total value of the deal works out to $150 million over the 10-year period.

The broadcast rights acquisition has happened at a time when the company is in the process of merging its business with Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) to create a media behemoth with combined revenues of $2 billion. ZEEL had exited sports business in 2016 by selling Ten Sports to Sony for $385 million. The Zee-Sony merger will mean that the combined entity will be a major player in the sports media business.

"ZEEL has inked a 10-year deal for UAE T20 League broadcast rights with an annual pay out of $15 million. It will pay $150 million over a 10-year period," a media industry veteran said on the condition of anonymity. ZEEL didn't offer any comments on the development.

Speaking at APOS India 2021 event recently, ZEEL MD and CEO Punit Goenka had said that the Zee-Sony merger deal is progressing well. He also said that the $1.57 billion growth capital infusion by Sony will allow the merged entity to invest in high-quality content, including sports. While sports will become a focus area for Zee-Sony, Goenka had noted that the decision on bidding or not bidding and at what price will be taken by the board of the merged company.

"Zee and Sony will form the largest media and entertainment player in the country. Our revenue on a standalone basis will be close to $2 billion and the growth capital that Sony is going to infuse in the merged entity will give us the opportunity to invest in premium content including sports. There is a going to be a huge opportunity on both digital and linear side to create big scale entertainment properties and acquire large IPs across genres," Goenka had stated.

The ZEEL MD & CEO had also asserted that Zee on a standalone basis will not bid for sports rights since it has just finished non-compete with Sony on the sports side. "While we will reconsider sports on a standalone basis but right now my focus is look on joint consolidated basis with Sony. A lot has changed since we exited the sports business and funnily so, we sold it to Sony, and it's coming full circle back home," he had noted.

For ZEEL, it makes ample sense to acquire the UAE T20 League rights since it has a global presence including Middle East with channels like Zee TV, Zee Cinema, &TV besides Zee Aflam and Zee Alwan which are targeted at Arabic audiences.

Furthermore, cricket, which has over 2.5 billion fans globally, is the second most watched sport in UAE which also has a huge diaspora from cricket-crazy countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. That explains why four of the six team owners in the league are Indian companies.

Experts point out that 89% of UAE’s population are expats and 47% of UAE’s expats follow cricket. UAE also boasts of three world-class stadiums in proximity to each other which will lead to operational efficiencies.

The biggest advantage of the league is the favourable time zone and geographic advantage to attract fans from all over the world, experts aver. A case in point is India, where the matches are likely to air during the evening prime-time. Even in other cricketing nations, the matches will be available for viewing during the prime time. The league will be played during the December-January window.

The league will feature six teams that will play a total of 34 matches including 30 round-robin matches, three play-offs and a final. The ECB is believed to have sold the six teams to Shah Rukh Khan's Knight Riders Sports, Delhi Daredevils co-owner GMR Sports, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries, finance company Capri Global, Big Bash League team Sydney Sixers, and Manchester United owner Glazer family.

It is pertinent to note that Capri Global and Glazer family had recently lost out to CVC Capital and RPSG in owning the Ahmedabad and Lucknow teams of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Championship Cricket LLC, which was floated by Manchester United owner Lancer Capital (Avram Glazer), had bid Rs 4128.65 crore for Ahmedabad and Rs 4023.99 crore for Lucknow. Capri Global, an NBFC, had bid Rs 4204 crore each for both Ahmedabad and Lucknow.

According to ITW Consulting MD Bhairav Shanth, the UAE T20 League has everything going in its favour whether it is favour to become the second most successful cricket league after the IPL. "It may look as if the league marketplace is getting crowded, but there is actually a lot of headroom for growth and the UAE T20 league is a prime candidate for leading that next boom."

He also stated that timing is the biggest advantage that UAE T20 League will have over non-IPL T20 league. "Firstly, it has important advantages over other established leagues - a primetime presence of matches in the Indian subcontinent (they will be played around 7PM IST which is a similar slot to the IPL) and secondly it has the involvement of key cricket playing countries, 8 foreign players, and quality venue infrastructure."

Secondly, he noted that the current IPL teams have picked up maximum number of franchisees in the league due to which there will be an IPL rub-off effect on the new league which will help it cultivate an Indian fan base that regularly tunes in. "Our research and deep data analysis arm ITW Core is quite bullish about the potential and quality of the league. According to their projections, it could garner close to a 100 million cumulative audience in India and around 50 million more around the world."

From a business perspective, Shanth said that the UAE T20 League is a logical addition to any company with sports interests in India and looking at global expansion because the economies of scope are immense. "More franchises can follow in the footsteps of the likes of the Knight Riders who have franchises in the CPL and will have one here too. It allows them to leverage the brand while at the same time amplifying its presence in new markets building a global name of the likes of the New York Yankees or Manchester United."

Lastly, Shanth said that the valuation of these franchises will easily be in the $90-100 million range as per ITW's assessments of the revenue prospects in terms of TV rights and sponsorships over the next decade or so. "It’s an attractive opportunity for an investor to get in on the ground floor of this," he asserted.

Each of the six teams will have 18 squad players including 10 international, 5 UAE and 3 Associate member players in the squad. The playing XI will have eight maximum international players, 2 minimum UAE players, and 1 minimum associate member players.

The revenue share between the league and the franchisees will remain fixed for the first 10 years. According to sources, the organisers have told the franchise owners that the league's business model will result in positive operating income right from the first year.

One of the sources said that the league owners have projected an anticipated revenue of $29 million in the first year including $15 million from broadcast rights which will be shared in the 80:20 ratio between organisers and the franchise owners. The 80:20 broadcast revenue sharing will be in force for first 10 years of the league.

The league owners are eyeing $10 million in central sponsorship revenue followed by $4 million in gate receipts. The gate receipts revenue will be split in the 25:75 ratio between the league and the six franchisees while central sponsorship revenue will be split equally.

For the first five years, 70% of the production cost will be borne by the organisers. The total production is estimated at $3 million with the organisers setting off $2.1 million against the broadcast revenue and the franchises absorbing the rest. After five years, the production cost sharing will be 20:80 for the next five years with franchisees absorbing a large chunk of the cost.

According to the internal calculations of the organisers, each franchise is projected to earn $6.83 million in anticipated revenue for Year 1 including $2 million broadcast revenue, $0.83 million central sponsorship revenue, $3.5 million franchisee related revenue, and $0.50 million gate receipts revenue.

In terms of costs, each franchise will bear $2.65 million in anticipated expense for Year 1 which includes $0.15 million production cost, $0.2 million cricket operations cost, $0.30 million travel & hospitality cost, and $2 million player fees. The franchise fee is expected to be $6 million per year.

According to a source, the franchises are expected to burn roughly $7 million over the 10-year period. Majority of the cash burn will happen in the initial few years. The profitability of the franchises is dependent on how well they keep their costs under control and parallelly grow the team sponsorship and gate revenues. "If all goes well, the teams will start making a small profit from year 7," the source said.

Link: https://www.exchange4media.com/medi...t20-league-tv-rights-for-10-years-117092.html

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

So there will be 3 leagues in UAE

Abu Dhabi T10 (Nov - Dec)
Ninety - 90 Bash (Jan - Feb)
Emirates T20 League (May - Jun)

What a farce

 

[MenInG]

UAE, Dubai, Wednesday December 1st, 2021: Lancer Capital has made its first ever historic foray into cricket by acquiring a franchise in the UAE T20 league.

Lancer Capital has investments in a variety of best-in-class assets. The Chairman of Lancer Capital, Avie Glazer, is an owner of the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mr. Glazer has also been the Co-Chairman of Manchester United since 2005. Manchester United have won more trophies than any other club in English football.

Khalid Al Zarooni, UAE T20 League Chairman and Vice Chairman Emirates Cricket Board said; “I am very excited to welcome Mr. Glazer to the UAE T20 Family! To have a partner who has invested into sports properties with a long term investment perspective is a testament to the strength of the UAE T20 League’s Business Model and its value proposition to its stakeholders and an ode to the UAE as the destination of choice for global sports events.”

Avram Glazer, Chairman of Lancer Capital LLC said; “I am very excited to be a part of UAE T20 at its formation. UAE T20 promises to be a world class event that will be transformative to the growth of cricket in the Emirates.”

Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board said; “We are extremely pleased that a legendary sports owner like Avie Glazer has chosen to partner with the UAE T20 League. This is a resounding thumbs up to the unique opportunity that the UAE T20 league offers to experienced and established sports business owners. Our partnership with Lancer Capital will enable us to combine fans of the two widely followed sports – football and cricket – in a never done before manner”

 

[James]

SKY SPORTS:

<b>Manchester United co-chairman Avram Glazer buys franchise in new UAE T20 cricket league.</b>

<I>Avram Glazer's company Lancer Capital launched unsuccessful bid for one of the new IPL franchises in October; UAE T20 league to be held for the first time in February and March 2022.</I>

Manchester United co-chairman Avram Glazer has bought a franchise in the new T20 cricket league in the United Arab Emirates.

Glazer, also an owner of 2020 Super Bowl winners Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has completed the acquisition in his role as chairman of private equity firm Lancer Capital.

Lancer Capital recently unsuccessfully bid for one of the two new teams in the 2022 Indian Premier League.

The UAE T20 League is a six-team competition sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board and will be held for the first time in February and March 2022.

Glazer said: "I am very excited to be a part of UAE T20 at its formation. UAE T20 promises to be a world-class event that will be transformative to the growth of cricket in the Emirates."

 

[Savak]

$15 per year looks a big low for a rich country like the UAE

 

[ARK Rafay]

So there will be 3 leagues in UAE

Abu Dhabi T10 (Nov - Dec)
Ninety - 90 Bash (Jan - Feb)
Emirates T20 League (May - Jun)

What a farce

Won't it be super hot during May - June season?

 

[Marathonrunner]

Won't it be super hot during May - June season?

ICC should really implement some controls here. That’s too much twisting of a league into all formats

 

[the Great Khan]

Just some questions. Will this clash with the PSL or will an arrangement be made so more players can participate in both leagues.?

The main leagues on the planet namely the ipl bbl and the psl are predominantly made up of domestic players. Also the cpl. Where will the majority of players come from? No indian players will play. Same with Pakistan if PSL clashes.there will also be an England winter tour going on so big eng stars won't commit.

I'm dubious about this league. The Emirates has no real domestic structure and how many players will commit to another round Robin league?? So close to the IPL?

I feel this league is being setup to destroy the PSL or at least to diminish its value..I see no other real benefit of this being held at the same juncture.

 

[cricketjoshila]

So this league is in January?

That rules out Australia NZ SA players and anyone touring them.

 

[Saj]

This looks like it has some serious money involved in it.

Looks like it's going to be another big T20 League.

 

[Savak]

Biggest kick in the behind for the PSL to get a new window now.

 

[moghul]

UAE T20 League, would it be bad for PSL ?

A high profile T20 league is being launched in UAE and some big names in business buying teams in it , many of them Indians including SRK and Bombay Indians . Manchester united owner also among them . It will be played during PSL time window. Every team will able to play 9-8 foreign players . With western level facilities and security in UAE, it will attract a large number of top players.

Wondering how this league will effect PSL ?

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Will Pakistan players skip PSL in case more money offered in Emirates League?

With the new league in UAE announced and good salary for a months work, will some Pakistani players skip PSL for more Moolah?

 

[realitygaf]

They won't be picked for the UAE league as its run by IPL owners

 

[Savak]

Amir will by complaining about being disrespected by Karachi Kings

 

[moghul]

They won't be picked for the UAE league as its run by IPL owners

You wish, but it will not happen , it will be open for Pakistani players. I don't think Indian businessmen will mind if Pakistani players make money for them . In UAE, they won;t have to ask for Indian government's permission.

 

[Shaddy86]

No they won't pick it over PSL. It'll be perfect for likes of Ahmed Shehzad but players that have the slightest hope of ever representing Pakistan will not pick it over PSL, regardless of the money. PSL is an established League, to put your career at risk for an experimental League would be stupid for any Pakistani players.

 

[zn426]

How can they in the first place? Wouldn't it require a NOC from the PCB?

 

[cricketerB94]

They won't be picked for the UAE league as its run by IPL owners

IPL owners have teams in other leagues too and they pick Pakistan players in those teams.

 

[ARK Rafay]

Make or break time for PSL

 

[Giannis]

I doubt many Pakistani players would even get picked for the EPL as it's being run by IPL owners and the entire plan was drawn by the Indian govt in collusion with the Emiratis. You can mark my words, very few if any Pakistani cricketers will be signed by the EPL.

 

[GenericBrand]

I doubt many Pakistani players would even get picked for the EPL as it's being run by IPL owners and the entire plan was drawn by the Indian govt in collusion with the Emiratis. You can mark my words, very few if any Pakistani cricketers will be signed by the EPL.

Are Indian players allowed to play there? If not, who are they going to attract lol

 

[Giannis]

Are Indian players allowed to play there? If not, who are they going to attract lol

They might be allowed to play cause the Indian govt has been cozying up to the Gulf royals for geopolitical reasons but even if they aren't allowed the main objective of this league is not to sign Indian players but to sign foreign players that would've played in the PSL, the purpose is to undercut the PSL - eat into its window and foreign talent pool. This is a BCCI proxy to sabotage the PSL, anyone familiar with corporate practices knows that what tactics the BCCI/Indian govt are trying to use and have been using.

 

[Walawalkar]

They might be allowed to play cause the Indian govt has been cozying up to the Gulf royals for geopolitical reasons but even if they aren't allowed the main objective of this league is not to sign Indian players but to sign foreign players that would've played in the PSL, the purpose is to undercut the PSL - eat into its window and foreign talent pool. This is a BCCI proxy to sabotage the PSL, anyone familiar with corporate practices knows that what tactics the BCCI/Indian govt are trying to use and have been using.

The objective of the league which you mentioned in your post...Did they mention the same in their press release or you coming to the conclusion on your own

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

It will probably affect PSL. But what about cricket itself?? Does ICC, or anyone else realise that there are just too many, once again, too many leagues, that affect international cricket? does ICC, or anyone else, meaning any of the other boards, or just anyone realise that having too many of these pyjama leagues with the same repetitive players mainly travelling around these leagues makes cricket extremely boring and frustrating to watch? And in fact, it makes a lot of people confused, annoyed and eventually (or rather quickly) not interested in cricket?

If one was trying to get a new fanbase for cricket, or simply, if one was trying to understand and start becoming a cricket fan and then they realise firstly, how disorganised cricket events are, but secondly the fact that there is;

Indian Premier League trying to get global attention
Big Bash League trying to get global attention
Pakistan Super League trying to get global attention
Bangladesh Premier League trying to get global attention
Super Smash
Lankan Premier Legaue
Msanzai Super League
This UAE t20 league now
Something called "Bilateral" Cricket, which sounds very stupid
ICC events, and the chopping and changing and chopping and changing of ICC events


There will be very few people who stay on and keep watching cricket.

And what has been also very damaging recently, is boards or whatever making new formats. This is unacceptable and must have been/ be punished by ICC immediately. Only ICC decides what formats are made etc.

Having three formats (test, ODI, t20) can be somewhat difficult for a newcomer to cope and understand at first, but having T10, The Hundred, 3TC (whatever that is), now Ninety - Ninety, will never ever help cricket ever. These organisations that made these formats should be severely punished.

And then take in the fact that everyone cannot play everyone (except India - Pakistan) due to schedule reasons, which is ridiculous because the World Test Championship needs to be prioritised in order for it to be the 'best of the best' competition. Same with the fact they can't make the World Test Championship a best of three-match series, due to these schedule reasons, which is again stupid. With this scheduling, all I am seeing is so many bilateral Odis and t20s.


I plan to say a lot more in another thread (or once I know how to make a thread) or maybe make a youtube video. But at the end of the day, The ICC CEO, chairman, whoever these people are, lack simple intelligence for the game, (yes, even though that is quite harsh). They react way too late, for example changing the super over rule too late, and PCB not realising they have to change their window. And now not realising, they are losing control over what formats are made.

And I am convinced ICC and all these so-called "important" people are living in a rock, 100% since they have very little idea of how few actually enjoy these pyjama leagues and matches.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

They might be allowed to play cause the Indian govt has been cozying up to the Gulf royals for geopolitical reasons but even if they aren't allowed the main objective of this league is not to sign Indian players but to sign foreign players that would've played in the PSL, the purpose is to undercut the PSL - eat into its window and foreign talent pool. This is a BCCI proxy to sabotage the PSL, anyone familiar with corporate practices knows that what tactics the BCCI/Indian govt are trying to use and have been using.

Psl is a dead horse in terms of brand in front of IPL. The owners of IPL have better things to worry about rather then even giving their single mind cell to this puny super league.
Sabotage lol.

 

[Manunited18]

RIP Test cricket.

 

[Artaxerxes]

Psl is a dead horse in terms of brand in front of IPL. The owners of IPL have better things to worry about rather then even giving their single mind cell to this puny super league.
Sabotage lol.

India has been trying to undermine Pakistan cricket for a decade but it failed.It blackmails foreign players who want to play in PSL.India is doing this not because it is Indian policy to damage and malign Pakistan by whatever means it can.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

India has been trying to undermine Pakistan cricket for a decade but it failed.It blackmails foreign players who want to play in PSL.India is doing this not because it is Indian policy to damage and malign Pakistan by whatever means it can.

If India and BCCI really want to do it, they would have done it by now very very easily.
All the boards need Indian tour and market to make money. They can easily negotiate with them to ignore Pakistan as it intends to cause harm to Indians in every possible way. Like US Sanctions.
But India and BCCI have other avenues and things to put their minds on rather than worrying about Pakistan cricket.

PSL has a captive audience of 250 million plus who will understandably stay loyal to their own cricketers. No amount of name dropping (Ambani, Glazer) is going to change that brute fact.
Pakistanis have this age old habit of making everything about them. Don't know when they'll realize that they're extremely irrelevant and the world doesn't resolve them.

The IPL owners are billionaires and they made that money by thinking about their investments, not by trying to harm Pakistan lol. Don't think they even bother about anything PCB does or says.

 

[Rana]

If India and BCCI really want to do it, they would have done it by now very very easily.
All the boards need Indian tour and market to make money. They can easily negotiate with them to ignore Pakistan as it intends to cause harm to Indians in every possible way. Like US Sanctions.
But India and BCCI have other avenues and things to put their minds on rather than worrying about Pakistan cricket.

PSL has a captive audience of 250 million plus who will understandably stay loyal to their own cricketers. No amount of name dropping (Ambani, Glazer) is going to change that brute fact.
Pakistanis have this age old habit of making everything about them. Don't know when they'll realize that they're extremely irrelevant and the world doesn't resolve them.

The IPL owners are billionaires and they made that money by thinking about their investments, not by trying to harm Pakistan lol. Don't think they even bother about anything PCB does or says.

I love how you have been burning in your hate of late.

152-0

Rab Rakha

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

I love how you have been burning in your hate of late.

152-0

Rab Rakha

India kicked Pakistan out of WC Final, WC Semi Final and WC Quarter Final.
Add to that Word Series Final Spanking of yesteryears.

Now that would have caused some serious issues and burns understandably.



Keep your 152-0 to yourself.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I love how you have been burning in your hate of late.

152-0

Rab Rakha

The only ones burning are some pakistani fans because the UAE league is going to have more money and IPL owners are involved in it, which will create issues for the PSL.

 

[Rana]

The only ones burning are some pakistani fans because the UAE league is going to have more money and IPL owners are involved in it, which will create issues for the PSL.

Lol IPL to expand its pathetic brand of cricket causing more animosity against it will burn Pakistan fans! )

 

[Savak]

Forget the Emirates Premier League. I have heard the Americans plan to launch their own T20 league and that is going to have crazy amounts of money in it which will rival the IPL

 

[the Great Khan]

Depends on the time period and window this league will be played in. I'm still wondering where all the players are going to come from. We'll have international matches going on perhaps psl etc.

They need alot of players to fill their spots. The PSL and IPL by and large don't really need that many foreign players. They also have homegrown superstars that can put bums on seats e.g kohli sharma and shaheen afridi.

Who will the uae rely on? I just watched some very brief highlights of the t10 and the stands were empty.

Indian fans want to watch Indian players not nondescript unknowns. Why would they want to waste their time on matches like this.?

The only way this works is if they allow both indian and Pakistanis to play in the league. And I mean the big stars. Not the choatay moatay players.

 

[the Great Khan]

Forget the Emirates Premier League. I have heard the Americans plan to launch their own T20 league and that is going to have crazy amounts of money in it which will rival the IPL

Again where's the window. Who will be the backbone of the teams if yu don't have a domestic setup.

I predict that we will eventually see only a few leagues surviving. And the test playing nations have the best chance to survive.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Depends on the time period and window this league will be played in. I'm still wondering where all the players are going to come from.

I'm wondering where the spectators are going to come from. Is there really much interest in watching games played out on a dustbowl in empty stadiums? UAE is a good emergency cricket arena for Pakistan, or to host during Covid era, but without crowds, the games are just not much fun.

 

[the Great Khan]

I'm wondering where the spectators are going to come from. Is there really much interest in watching games played out on a dustbowl in empty stadiums? UAE is a good emergency cricket arena for Pakistan, or to host during Covid era, but without crowds, the games are just not much fun.

Exactly. What's the attraction. Where's the in build fan base.

Why would the large Indian diaspora come to watch matches without their heroes? How much will Tickets cost?

They must have a plan. The only way this works is if they undercut the other leagues like the PSL but even then there will be enough foreign players to fill the slots in the PSL. And attract Pakistanis and Sri Lankans etc to make up the numbers. Will they get associate players? I don't know how this works atm.

 

[cricketerB94]

Not really a challenge to PSL. Actually, they are creating their own headache by staging this league at the same time as PSL.

In UAE, only 3 teams players can attract a decent crowd i.e. India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. India do not allow its players to play in foreign leagues, Pakistan players will be busy in PSL, so they can only have Afghanistan players and other SENA players - which the UAE audience do not care about as we have seen in the WT20 final.

PSL will have enough star power to keep it going, but they need to rethink about their window as most of the SENA players are not available in this window.

 

[MenInG]

Capri Global has made its first ever historic foray into cricket by acquiring a franchise in UAE’s T20 league.

Capri Global Group’s interest varies across sectors through its subsidiaries and net worth of the Group is in excess of Rs. 3,800 Cr. Key ventures of the Group are Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), Stressed Assets Fund (SAF) and Sports Venture. The Group Company, Capri Global Capital Limited (CGCL) is one of India’s leading Non-Deposit Taking Systemically Important Non-Banking Financial Companies with a USD 1 Billion+ market cap. Promoted by a first-generation entrepreneur, Mr. Rajesh Sharma, CGCL is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE).

Rajesh Sharma, Managing Director of Capri Global Capital Limited said; “We are delighted to acquire a franchise in UAE’s T20 league. Our foray into sports franchising allows Capri Global to leverage on the passion that Indian audience has for cricket. We see great synergy coming through this alliance, including a host of exciting moments that are set to elevate the cricketing experience for our Indian audience at the global platform. We believe that the land of opportunity through its sports IP has created an image that accurately depicts what represents the UAE. We wish UAE’s T20 League a very successful season and hope to see them hosting many more in the years to come”.

Khalid Al Zarooni, UAE’s T20 League Chairman and Vice Chairman Emirates Cricket Board said; “I am very excited to welcome Mr. Sharma to UAE’s T20 Family! To have a partner who is acknowledged as one of India’s leading investment bankers, buying into the UAE’s T20 vision and investing into sports properties with a long term investment perspective is a testament to the strength of UAE’s T20 League’s Business Model and its value proposition to its stakeholders and an ode to the UAE as the destination of choice for global sports events.”

Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board said; “We are extremely pleased that a legendary investment professional like Rajesh Sharma has chosen to partner with the UAE’s T20 League. This is a resounding thumbs up to the unique opportunity that UAE’s T20 league offers.

 

[MenInG]

UAE, Dubai, 9th May 2022: Adani Sportsline, a part of the diversified Adani Group, has made a landmark foray into franchise cricket by acquiring the rights to own and operate a franchise in UAE’s flagship T20 league

Licensed by Emirates Cricket Board, the UAE T20 League is an annual event that will feature six franchise teams competing in a 34-match event. Top players from all the cricket playing countries are expected to be in the line-up of different teams. The league will be providing a platform and exposure to upcoming young cricketers. This will be the first major move overseas by the Adani Sportsline that will connect and engage with global fans from across the cricketing nations.

Khalid Al Zarooni, UAE’s T20 League Chairman said; “It is a proud moment for us to announce the Adani Group’s association with the UAE’s T20 League as a Franchise team owner. This acquisition fits perfectly in the group of corporates who have already acquired franchise team rights in the League. The trust shown by the Adani Group augurs well for the League and we look forward to benefitting from their business acumen and working together to make our League successful.”

“We are excited to be part of the UAE T20 league,” said Pranav Adani. “The UAE is an amazing amalgamation of several cricket loving nations. It provides an excellent platform for enhancing the visibility of cricket as the sport goes increasingly global. Our presence here is also a great base for the Adani brand that is contributing significantly to the sports ecosystem in India through leagues such as boxing and kabaddi, and nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level through the Garv Hai initiative.”

Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board said; “We are extremely pleased to have one of Asia’s leading corporates as our franchise team owner. This is a resounding thumbs up to the unique opportunity that the UAE T20 league offers to experienced and established business owners. We are confident that this association will be mutually beneficial for both the Adani Group and the League. UAE’s T20 League will attract some of the biggest names in world cricket while also giving a platform and international exposure to local and upcoming players”.

Adani Sportsline is promoted by the Adani Group whose diverse businesses include port management, electric power generation and transmission, renewable energy, mining, airport operations, natural gas, food processing and infrastructure. The group has annual revenues of over US$20 billion with operations at 70 locations in 50 countries and a market cap of over $222 billion.

 

[sweep_shot]

Too many T20 leagues nowadays.

UAE has the financial muscle. So, it is possible this league may take away players from other leagues (including PSL).

 

[cricketjoshila]

Too many T20 leagues nowadays.

UAE has the financial muscle. So, it is possible this league may take away players from other leagues (including PSL).

Apart from the Adani Group, UAE T20 League already boasts of having personalities such as Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries Ltd, Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan and Kiran Kumar Granthi of GMR as team owners.

TAGS:


4 of the 6 teams will be owned by Indians. 3 by IPL owners. 2 by the richest and second richest Asians.

So money won't be any issue.

 

[JaDed]

What’s this Indo-Arab league? What’s the point of this league?

 

[silentkiller187]

UAE, Dubai, May 12, 2022: UAE’s T20 League is delighted to announce that the Knight Riders Group has acquired the rights to own and operate the Abu Dhabi franchise and will set up Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) as an integral part of the UAE’s flagship T20 league.

Over the last decade, the Knight Riders Group has become a household name in T20 cricket. After establishing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2008 in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Knight Riders became owners of the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2015. Recently, the Knight Riders Group made a significant investment in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA and intends to set up a franchise in the greater Los Angeles area.

This investment by the Knight Riders Group, which is led by Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, along with Juhi Chawla & her husband Jay Mehta, will establish their 4th T20 franchise around the world in IPL, CPL, MLC and now in UAE’s T20 league.


Mr. Shah Rukh Khan, commenting on the long-term agreement, said; "For several years now, we have been expanding the Knight Riders brand globally and closely watching the potential for T20 cricket in the UAE. We are excited about becoming part of UAE’s T20 League, which no doubt will become hugely successful”.

Khalid Al Zarooni, UAE’s T20 League Chairman said; “The commitment to grow the T20 format and the expertise gathered by the Knight Riders Group, through their involvement in franchise cricket across the world, is undisputed. We are exceptionally pleased with their foresight to join forces with the UAE’s T20 League and firmly believe it will elevate the reputation, and professionalism of the League throughout the cricket community.”

Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board said; “We are pleased with the association of the Knight Riders Group with the League as a franchise team owner, we are very confident that this association will be mutually beneficial for both Knight Riders brand and the League. UAE’s T20 League will attract some of the biggest names in world cricket while also giving a platform and international exposure to local and upcoming players”.

Mr. Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR and Red Chillies Entertainment said "We feel fortunate to have been consistently recognized as a global brand in T20 cricket. As T20 cricket expands around the world, we are flattered by the regular invitations to play a major role in growing the sport across the world. We have had a keen interest in the developments in the UAE and our expansion is consistent with our long-term strategy”.

 

[MenInG]

ZEE Signs Global Media Rights’ Contract with UAE’s T20 League

- Emirates Cricket Board’s sanctioned exclusive and flagship professional T20 Cricket League includes six teams competing in 34 matches across venues in UAE

Dubai May 24, 2022: UAE’s T20 League today announced the signing of a long-term global media rights’ contract with global media and entertainment powerhouse ZEE. The League will air exclusively on ZEE’s linear channels and its OTT platform ZEE5, in India and across the world.

UAE’s T20 League is a professional cricket tournament comprising 6 teams competing in a 34-match competition, including - Reliance Industries Limited, Adani Sportsline, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lancer Capital, GMR Group and Capri Global.

ZEE’s strong global presence across 190+ countries will help build the reach and resonance for the League with viewers and partners. With immense synergies between its businesses and a holistic approach for advertisers and distribution partners, ZEE will engage fans through a multi-platform strategy taking the league to more than 100 million households.

UAE’s T20 League matches will air across ZEE’s 10 linear channels in the HSM (Hindi Speaking Markets), South and East regions in English, Hindi, and Tamil languages. The League will also be simultaneously streamed Live on ZEE5, and on radio globally.

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman UAE’s T20 League said; “Nothing can be more satisfying than to have a credible broadcast partner like ZEE associated with the League. I am thankful to both Punit Goenka, MD & CEO and Rahul Johri, President - Business South Asia at ZEE for having faith in this League and to grow into a commercially successful enterprise. It is further a matter of delight that ZEE has decided to re-enter sports broadcast with UAE’s T20 League being the first media rights acquisition. We are very confident that ZEE has the strength of viewership to take our League to unmatched levels.”

Rahul Johri, President – Business, South Asia, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, said, “At ZEE, we are delighted to be the official global media rights holder of UAE’s T20 League. We believe that the League, which is already attracting globally, the biggest cricket stars and team franchisees, will provide fantastic cricket and entertainment to viewers across the world. ZEE is committed to use the strength of its platforms to take UAE’s T20 League to audiences in India and across the globe.”

Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary ECB said: “ECB wishes both UAE’s T20 League and ZEE well for entering into this partnership. We recognize and appreciate the massive reach of ZEE’s channels and their Digital media platform which will benefit the League in terms of viewership. The tournament will also provide a valuable platform for Emirates Cricket to develop the local talent and to provide players the opportunity to train and play alongside the world’s best .”

 

[MenInG]

The UAE T20 League, with three original Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises on board, will be extending them the option of signing players of its IPL teams. Cricbuzz learns that Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals can sign up to four players each from their existing IPL rosters. As an IPL franchise official puts it, they will have the first right to sign their players.

Specifically, the six-team league, promoted and operated by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), permits Knight Riders to sign players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell or any other player from its current or previous line-up so that they can preserve their identity. In the same way, Mumbai Indians can sign up the likes of Kieron Pollard, Tim David, or even Jofra Archer if they wish. Ditto for the Delhi Capitals side too!

"Each franchise will be allowed to sign four players of their choice outside of the draft or auction which we will decide later," Mubashir Usmani, the secretary-general of the ECB, told this website on Thursday (June 2). "It could be any player who has a NOC from his home board."

The ECB has not yet decided to have an auction or a draft; the chances of going with the second option are likely so that the inevitable comparisons with the IPL can be averted.

Other three franchises, owned by the Adani Group, the Glazer family and Capri Global - virtually debutant investors in the cricket leagues - may also have the same choice so that a level playing field is being ensured. All teams will be allowed a player fee of USD 2 million, the purse being second-best among the franchise-based leagues after the IPL.

With the league, tentatively being planned between early January and mid-February in 2023, the schedule can potentially clash with the league that the Cricket South Africa is planning to launch early next year and in that context, the CSA has reportedly requested the Cricket Australia (CA) to defer three ODIs between the sides on January 12, 14 and 17.

The move is to ensure the participation of its players in its T20 league and CA, which released its season's international schedule recently, has kept those three games in the 'subject to confirmation' category. The ECB officials are planning to have talks with the CSA to avoid a total overlap. Invited by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a few ECB officials, including its vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, were in Ahmedabad for the IPL final on Sunday.

 

[MenInG]

Mubashshir Usmani, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) boss who is rising in stature as an administrator, elevates his hand above his head in a gesture to emphasise the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) undisputed status in world cricket.

“The IPL is number one. Nothing comes close. It’s in a league of its own,” he tells me of the world’s biggest cricket league whose 10 teams, according to Forbes, have an average value of $1.04 billion.

“But we can be second. I’m not saying we will be better than other leagues, who might be equal, but at the very least we will be the second best T20 league in the world.”

It’s a bold statement from Usmani considering the ECB’s T20 professional league has yet to launch, but not necessarily outlandish. With strong backing from financial titans Adani Group, headed by Gautum Adani who has a net worth of $107.6 billion according to Forbes, and IPL franchise The Knight Riders Group, which is led by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the T20 league in the UAE UAE -0.2% has immediate heft and considerable cash.

Shah Rukh Khan is part of Knight Riders group, which has purchased numerous T20 franchises. (Photo ... [+] GETTY IMAGES
Top players are set to be offered up to $300,000, tax free, while teams will each have a salary cap of about $2 million. The six-team competition is set to launch in January 2023 with the 35-game tournament spread over 25 days. Usmani said a specific start date had yet to be confirmed, but a window from around January 20 through mid-February was earmarked.

Cricket’s cramped schedule and the UAE’s notorious summer heat - where oppressive temperatures hover past 50 degrees Celsius/122 Fahrenheit from May-August - leaves precious little time in the calendar.

So January-February, where temperatures hit a modest maximum of 24 degrees Celsius/75 Fahrenheit, has been deemed as the best available slot but will likely clash with the pointy end of Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) and maybe the start of the Pakistan Super League. It will also be played concurrently with the Bangladesh Premier League.

The nascent T20 league looms as a potential obstacle for the maligned BBL, which has declined in popularity in recent seasons marked by slumping television ratings. Its supposed dearth of talent with some international stars shunning the BBL altogether due to its lengthy season, which stretches almost two months, could be further drained by the UAE’s shorter and more lucrative league.

Chris Lynn, the BBL’s all-time leading run-scorer, was recently dumped by Brisbane Heat and there is speculation he might venture to the UAE instead of looking for a new home in a tournament he long dominated.

Last season, BBL teams reportedly had a salary cap of about AUD $1.9 million (USD $1.33 million) with top players believed to earn around AUD $200,000 ($140,000), which is taxed, but well short of the pay packet expected from its UAE counterpart.

“We don’t think we’re going to be a competitor to the BBL or other leagues,” a diplomatic Usmani insisted. “We will be working with their boards to work out when the best time is to make sure the tournaments don’t clash heavily.”

The BBL’s fixtures for next season haven’t been released yet - expected by the end of the month - but its playoffs could coincide with the start of the UAE league.

Perhaps it’s not the intention of the Emirates chiefs to poach players from rival leagues, but undoubtedly the T20 league offers an intriguing option for players, who may also opt to compete in the T10 League which last season was held from January 28-February 6.

But Usmani said next season’s T10 League will most likely be played in December to establish a regular schedule and rhythm for its two showpiece tournaments.

With high-profile players set to be lured once rosters are formed later in the year, Usmani expected the fledgling T20 league to showcase top talent from the Associate world and also players from Full Members who perform well in their domestic leagues but are unable to nab lucrative IPL contracts.

It’s a concept that has already been embraced by heavy hitters. “We have been expanding the Knight Riders brand globally and closely watching the potential for T20 cricket in the UAE,” said Shah Rukh Khan. “We are excited about becoming part of UAE’s T20 League, which no doubt will become hugely successful.”

“It wasn’t hard to convince investors to join the league with the UAE becoming a hub for international cricket,” said Usmani whose office in Dubai’s Sports City is just metres from the International Cricket Council’s headquarters.

“It is very exciting to be close to starting the T20 league, which will be our showpiece event and we expect it to be a big thing in world cricket.”

Forbes

 

[samiakh]

PSL should change its window to Mid Oct into Mid Nov.

 

[MenInG]

PSL should change its window to Mid Oct into Mid Nov.

They have to react - cannot afford to be complacent.

 

[Savak]

PSL should change its window to Mid Oct into Mid Nov.

Is there a window available in that time period? Ramiz talked about creating a summer window for the PSL in June, July

 

[Savak]

Too many T20 leagues nowadays.

UAE has the financial muscle. So, it is possible this league may take away players from other leagues (including PSL).

Financial muscle yet but i doubt they will get a lot of spectators and viewers.

 

[MenInG]

UAE’s International League T20 locked-in for January-February 2023

The League will be called “International League T20” or “ILT20”
ILT20 is Emirates Cricket Board’s sanctioned, exclusive flagship professional T20 League -
The franchise-style tournament will boast six teams competing in 34 matches across venues in UAE, commencing January - February 2023

UAE, Dubai, June 6, 2022: Emirates Cricket Board has today confirmed that the inaugural ILT20 League will be played between the window of 6th January to 12th February 2023. The new League will be called “International League T20” or “ILT20”.

Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan said, “Emirates Cricket Board is delighted to welcome Reliance Industries, Kolkata Knight Riders, Capri Global, GMR, Lancer Capital, Adani Sportsline, broadcaster ZEE and all other stakeholders to the newly established T20 League of UAE. Such illustrious, experienced names and entites as partners bodes well for the UAE T20 League. Through the commitment of these partners they have demonstrated confidence in the Emirates Cricket Board as we take the game into the future”.

“As we begin this long journey I am confident that together we will achieve new heights and in the process provide entertainment and excitement to the millions of fans around the globe who are waiting for the first ball of the UAE T20 League to be bowled.”

“On behalf of ECB let me assure everyone that whilst being entertained on field with cricket, you will also be entertained by our traditional UAE hospitality off the field.”

The six-team franchise-style League will be played over a 34-match schedule at world-renowned, world-class venues of UAE. The first event is scheduled to be played between the window of 6th January and 12th February 2023.The tournament will also provide a valuable platform for Emirates Cricket to take developing their local talent to a higher level, where UAE-based players currently integrated in the Board’s program, as well as those identified by the High Performance Coaching and Selection Committee teams, will be given the opportunity to train and play alongside some of the world’s best minds of today’s game.

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman, ILT20 said, “Emirates Cricket, and the UAE, has a proven history of identifying and embracing initiatives that underpin the success of the game. It is vitally important, that through this tournament UAE-based players continue to flourish which is one of the objective of this League.”

“The ILT20 wishes to thank His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chairman of ECB for his unstinting support to UAE cricket which, under his guidance, has been growing from strength to strength. We look forward to introducing to the world a T20 event that will provide unmatched competition and entertainment to the ardent followers of this game.”

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Chairman, Selection Committee - Emirates Cricket Board said “The annual ILT20 event presents an excellent exposure for our players given the highly intense and competitive nature of the league. Each of the six teams in the 34-match tournament provide a wonderful opportunity for our young cricketers to play competitive cricket with world-class players.”

“Further, such a unique international league would play a big role in attracting and nurturing a larger pool of players who will go on to represent the UAE in the years to come. We look forward to the inaugural event and our players taking full advantage of the opportunity.”

 

[Babeikh]

Agree with a lot of what I am reading above - I struggle to see this league attracting crowds. It is most likely going to be a snooze fest / cure for insomnia. Unless BCCI allows Indian players to play in it.

 

[The_KING]

UAE pitches are the worst for t20 cricket. I doubt this league will be exciting.

 

[U$ofA]

Agree with a lot of what I am reading above - I struggle to see this league attracting crowds. It is most likely going to be a snooze fest / cure for insomnia. Unless BCCI allows Indian players to play in it.

That is never going to happen. Neither the IPL nor it's broadcasting partners will allow it. Brand protection.

 

[MenInG]

Will the PCB allow its players to play in this league?

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Will the PCB allow its players to play in this league?

I hope not. I have a bad feeling about this regarding PSL especially if the fixtures are overlapping.
Could dent the quality of oversees names which has already taken a hit since the pandemic era.

 

[Saj]

This league is being pushed as a rival to the PSL and a lot of investment is coming through from India for it.

Whilst the PSL is now established, this league could dent some aspects of its success.

 

[MenInG]

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has launched its inaugural T20 league, which will take place next year in the window of January 6 to February 12.

In a press release issued by the ECB today, the six-team event has been titled International League T20 (ILT20).

T20 Leagues have been a major success in the cricketing world especially due to the financial incentives for players, host board and the team owners.

However, it goes without saying that, with every top cricket nation now having a T20 league, this has also increased competition for top players, cramped schedules and, in some cases, players sacrificing international commitments.

With ILT20 now in the mix as well, other leagues, especially those which fall in the same window, could be affected by it. One such league in this regard is the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which was launched in 2016.

Finances
On the financial front, the ILT20 is expected to offer significantly more money to players as compared to the PSL. This is due to backing from major financial titans such as Reliance Industries, Kolkata Knight Riders and Adani Group.

The best players in the world are likely to be offered around $300,000, each, which is more than double of PSL’s $140,000.
The salary cap, $2 million, for each team in the ILT20 will also be more than PSL’s $1.2 million.

Both these factors are likely to make players prioritise ILT20 over PSL due as it will help them secure a better paycheck for the same amount of time spent in the field.

Window clash
The proposed window for ILT20 will clash with the opening phase of PSL, which is already under pressure to finish the league before the beginning of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) — which usually takes place in April and May.

Normally, the PSL takes place in February and March every year and the start of the ILT20 could see its top players being unavailable for the beginning of the event.

The situation could also become more complicated if bio-secure bubble and mandatory quarantine periods are also in place at that time.

Second best league in the world
PSL had done well to stray away from controversies over the past few years, while also offering good quality matches, which has helped the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) establish the league as arguably the second-best T20 event in the world after the IPL.

However, the advent of ILT20 could be a major hurdle, in the future, for PSL to maintain its stature in the cricketing world, attracting sponsors and top players.

“The IPL is number one. Nothing comes close. It’s in a league of its own,” Mubashshir Usmani, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) boss, told Forbes last month.

“But we [ILT20] can be second. I’m not saying we will be better than other leagues, who might be equal, but at the very least we will be the second best T20 league in the world.”

Samaa

 

[Savak]

This league is being pushed as a rival to the PSL and a lot of investment is coming through from India for it.

Whilst the PSL is now established, this league could dent some aspects of its success.

Mark my words. This League will not have the spectators flocking in to watch the games nor the international viewership of the PSL. There is no real interest for Cricket in the UAE outside of India or Pakistan playing.

 

[MenInG]

The International League T20 (ILT20) is all set to be launched in January 2023, becoming the second-most rich franchise league after Indian Premier League (IPL).

"For perspective, the highest-paid player in the IPL earns more than USD 2 million per season; in the PSL it is USD 200,000; the Hundred offers its best-paid player USD 164,000; and the most expensive overseas players in the BBL make about USD 238,000 per season"

"Three of the six franchises in ILT20 have owners with teams in the IPL - Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals. The other three teams are owned by Lancer Capital, led by Avram Glazer, part of the ownership of Manchester United, Indian business conglomerate Adani Group, and Capri Global"

According to several reports, Australian opener David Warner is also likely to miss Big Bash League (BBL) next year to feature in this cash-rich league.

The tournament initially is planned to take place between January 6 and February 12. Each team will play the others twice in a league stage, followed by four play-off matches for a total of 34 games.

Apart from BBL, Pakistan Super League (PSL) might get affected from this league's schedule.

 

[MenInG]

Cricket chiefs in multiple countries have raised vocal opposition to the lopsided overseas player rules of the UAE Twenty20 league that courted David Warner, amid fears the privately-owned event could split world cricket’s carefully regulated player market wide open.

Senior cricket sources in Australia, South Africa and England told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald they want the ICC to outlaw any Twenty20 competition that would allow clubs to stack teams with a majority of overseas players.

Warner is in talks with Cricket Australia for a big-money deal to bring him back to the Big Bash League after an absence of almost a decade, and his management has indicated he will no longer be going to the UAE. Ex-Brisbane Heat hitter Chris Lynn has also been courted by the UAE league’s organisers.

Unlike every other domestic Twenty20 league, including the BBL, the IPL, the Caribbean Premier League and the new South African competition, the UAE tournament has made provision for its teams to recruit as many as 12 overseas players in their squads. Nine are allowed in the playing XI at once, with only two local players required.

By contrast, no more than four overseas players at a time may be selected in teams in any of the world’s established Twenty20 tournaments. These regulations mean that the host board of a competition must be developing enough local talent to ensure high-quality teams, while also limiting the number of overseas players able to be recruited.

Alongside the global system of “no objection certificates” handed out by boards to players, these regulations ensure that countries can still prioritise international matches in an increasingly crowded calendar.

Should the new league be allowed to go ahead under its existing regulations for overseas players, cricket authorities are concerned it would create a “wild west” market in which tournament organisers had very little need to develop players in the countries where they host events.

Incredibly, the overseas player regulations for the new UAE league were run past the ICC chief executives’ committee in November last year without much opposition. Sources with knowledge of the meeting told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald that only one board representative - West Indies CEO Johnny Grave - raised any objections to the rules at the time.

Even so, discussions of the new league’s parameters were a feature of talks between boards at the recent ICC annual conference in Birmingham, set against the backdrop of the Commonwealth Games.

There was surprise among member countries when they discovered the UAE league had recently been ratified by the ICC – a process largely dictated by the bona fides of any new league’s ownership – with the 9/2 overseas/local player ratio rules intact.

The league, sanctioned by the UAE cricket board but privately owned by two of its directors, has sold club franchises to six Indian backers, three of which already hold stakes in IPL teams.

Offering each club a salary cap of around $US2.5 million (about $3.6 million) per team, with a top contract value of as much as $US450,000, the tournament’s financial incentives for players would be comfortably the most lucrative outside of the IPL.

It is set to be played next year during a January-February window, placed in direct competition with the BBL, the South African league and the early rounds of the Pakistan Super League.

While there is clear opposition to the number of overseas places for players in the league, cordial talks continue between the UAE board and other nations, primarily around exact dates of the event.

The Pakistan board, meanwhile, is reportedly set to deny its players no objection certificates to go to the BBL this summer; there had been hopes that the likes of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi would take part in the tournament draft.

The ICC declined to comment.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/cri...eague-that-chased-warner-20220803-p5b6ux.html

 

[Savak]

15 Australian Players Offered AUD 700,000 to Ditch Big Bash League and Play in UAE League

15 Australian Players Offered AUD 700,000 to Ditch Big Bash League and Play in UAE League

Last Updated: AUGUST 05, 2022, 14:15 IST

International League (ILT20) in UAE has reportedly offered 15 top Australian players for a whopping AUD 700,000

The International League (ILT20) in UAE has reportedly offered 15 top Australian players a whopping AUD 700,000 deals to ditch the Big Bash League (BBL), dates of which are overlapping, causing considerable tension in Cricket Australia (CA)’s ranks.

The Big Bash League will be played between December 13 to February 4 while the inaugural edition of ILT20 is scheduled from January 6 to February 12, making it virtually impossible for Australian players to take part in both the tournaments.

According to a report in Sydney Morning Herald,"As many as 15 Australian players have been offered contracts worth up to AUD 700,000 a year to abandon the Big Bash League and play in the UAE Twenty20 tournament in January."

Most of the top Australian players have no obligation to play BBL under their existing central contract, with Warner not having played a single edition since 2014.

The BBL’s highest payment till date from the draft has been D’arcy Short’s USD 258,000 (AUD 370,000) and the money compared to what has been paid to marquee Australian players in IPL, has been significantly lesser.

But with Indian IPL owners investing in UAE and CSA T20 leagues, the BBL will need to revamp its pay structure to keep the best in the business interested.

According to Australian newspapers ‘The Age’ and ‘The Sydney Morning Herald’ by senior cricket sources, “the scale of the attempted raid on Australian players goes far beyond the threat of losing one player David Warner to the UAE because he does not have a BBL deal."

The paper also revealed: “UAE contract sizes so far above and beyond what has been on offer in the BBL have placed Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association under pressure to reassure players that they are not being left behind the rest of the world by remaining loyal to the game in this country."

However it is learnt CA in its bid to retain the sheen and quality of BBL, is keen on signing a lucrative one-off deal with Warner, which will prevent him from taking up the ILT20 offer.

“While CA is in talks with Warner about finding a way to get him back into the BBL this summer, the governing body’s chief executive Nick Hockley and his player union counterpart Todd Greenberg have been fielding countless calls from players about the offers,’ SMH further reported.

Greenberg feels that Australian players are not “mercenaries" and would eventually take an informed and matured decision.

“They do have this genuine sense of care about the game if they didn’t, they would be mercenaries and take what’s in front of them.

“But they’re not, they’re actually taking a mature, considered approach to this and trying to be part of the solution. This comes down to establishing trust with your own players and the relationships you develop with them," Greenberg said.

But he didn’t forget to mention that CA needs to do something about the salary cap.

“I do know CA have to stay within the salary cap principles for any player and that includes Dave (warner)," Greenberg said.

“But clearly they’ve got to try to make the best offer they can to keep him here. It’s a balance of trying to make sure you’re attracting your best players and there’s some equity in the system and the model, so that all of them have the opportunity to play and are remunerated accordingly."

Link: https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/...sh-league-and-play-in-uae-league-5694157.html

Comments: If this is what the Big Bash and Cricket Australia is facing, imagine the threat to the PSL and its existence.

 

[sweep_shot]

Not surprised at all.

UAE obviously has the financial muscle to do this.

Also, BBL is too long. Players probably would pick UAE gig over BBL.