[PICTURES/VIDEOS] The ILT20 - 2024 Season

MenInG

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As per media reports:

According to reports, Sethi doesn't have any issue with sending Pakistani players to ILT20 following a long-term cricket relationship with the UAE.

ILT20 was launched last year and was considered one of the richest leagues after the Indian Premier League (IPL). The league has a huge investment from India.

Pakistani players including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan were offered a whopping USD 900,000 alongside a three-year captaincy contract. However, then-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja wasn't interested in sending the players to ILT20. Instead, he asked compensation from the Emirates Cricket Board in exchange for releasing their players.

Apart from Babar, Shaheen, and Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Hasnain were also in demand for the league. Later on, wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan was picked by Desert Vipers but he didn't get No-Objection Certificate (NOC).
 
If the numbers mentioned here are credible, that's a lot of money that our guys are missing out on, so good move if they are allowed.
 
Who in their right mind would offer Rizwan $900k?
 
It's about getting big names.

Rizwan is as big a name in T20 as it gets.

Especially in UAE. His leg side hacks work to perfection on those grounds and surfaces. He would thrive in UAE.
 
Bro look at the title of this thread.

Do you have a view on that?

Yeah I think they should be allowed but not like last time when only 1 team is allowed to buy them as all others are owned by Indian investors
 
Who in their right mind would offer Rizwan $900k?

That's 900k over 3 years. So 300k per year. Rizwan would get that.

But considering the fact that except the Glazers owned Vipers the other teams most likely not hire Pakistanis, how many will actually get picked?
 
What do you make of this guys?

Who could this be?

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Can easily envision Shadab playing yet another T20 league as his career declines further instead of actually taking self-improvement seriously.
 
Shadab Khan, Azam Khan to feature alongside Shaheen Afridi in DP World ILT20 Season 2

The DP World ILT20 has announced that after Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan and Azam Khan will also be featuring in its upcoming tournament in the colours of the Desert Vipers.
 
The reality is that without PK players this league will fold very quickly.PK board and players need to tell the Ind owners to take a hike.
 
The reality is that without PK players this league will fold very quickly.PK board and players need to tell the Ind owners to take a hike.

Reality is that Indian owners own majority of teams in ILT20 and SA20 and they don't need any pakistani and haven't signed one.

PK board and its players don't matter to billionaires who own teams across a number of leagues.

Even now only Vipers who are owned by the Glazers have signed pakistanis.

Pakistan isn't a financial power house in cricket. Get a reality check.
 
Reality is that Indian owners own majority of teams in ILT20 and SA20 and they don't need any pakistani and haven't signed one.

PK board and its players don't matter to billionaires who own teams across a number of leagues.

Even now only Vipers who are owned by the Glazers have signed pakistanis.

Pakistan isn't a financial power house in cricket. Get a reality check.
Not in SA but in Dubai they need PK players because without PK players it has no atmosphere or proper competition. You saw last year, no crowds
 
Not in SA but in Dubai they need PK players because without PK players it has no atmosphere or proper competition. You saw last year, no crowds

Thats your personal opinion, not backed by facts.

PSL matches or Pakistan matches in UAE didn't have packed houses.

IPL matches in UAE were sold out.

Anyways, Indian owned teams in ILT20 haven't signed any pakistani and are unlikely to sign one.
 
Thats your personal opinion, not backed by facts.

PSL matches or Pakistan matches in UAE didn't have packed houses.

IPL matches in UAE were sold out.

Anyways, Indian owned teams in ILT20 haven't signed any pakistani and are unlikely to sign one.
But the UAE matches had no atmosphere because there were no PKs. Without the atmosphere the cricket is dead and makes for terrible TV which no one wants to watch. PK board should ban players from the UAE league
 
Thats your personal opinion, not backed by facts.

PSL matches or Pakistan matches in UAE didn't have packed houses.

IPL matches in UAE were sold out.

Anyways, Indian owned teams in ILT20 haven't signed any pakistani and are unlikely to sign one.

Does anyone even watch the IPL outside of Indian fans? Even Indians I know, living both in and outside India, have stopped regularly following the IPL because of how long it is. Having said that, India is severely overpopulated so there will always be a market for the IPL.

But that doesn't mean every single league being played in the UAE with mercenaries will also have the same popularity. It is very likely that this league will only be drawing crowds because of the few Pakistani players playing.
 
Does anyone even watch the IPL outside of Indian fans? Even Indians I know, living both in and outside India, have stopped regularly following the IPL because of how long it is. Having said that, India is severely overpopulated so there will always be a market for the IPL.

But that doesn't mean every single league being played in the UAE with mercenaries will also have the same popularity. It is very likely that this league will only be drawing crowds because of the few Pakistani players playing.

Why are Broadcasters eager to pay and acquire rights of IPL outside of India?

Overseas rights of the IPL were sold for nearly 30mn usd a year. Thats more than twice of what PSL's rights went for.

Pakistan has a population of 240mn. What is the value of PSL rights?

It is very likely that your inflated sense of importance is far from reality.

Anyways, the fact is that no Indian owned team of ILT20 has signed any pakistani.
 
But the UAE matches had no atmosphere because there were no PKs. Without the atmosphere the cricket is dead and makes for terrible TV which no one wants to watch. PK board should ban players from the UAE league

For the Indian owned teams it doesn't matter if PCB bans or allows its players in the ILT20. They won't sign any pakistani.

IPL was played to packed houses in the UAE and without any pakistani.
 
For the Indian owned teams it doesn't matter if PCB bans or allows its players in the ILT20. They won't sign any pakistani.

IPL was played to packed houses in the UAE and without any pakistani.
And they shouldn't as its their money. But without PK players there are no crowds and the league will die. Win win
 
ICC awarded ILT20 list A status

Dubai,

The DP World International League T20 has received a major boost as the International Cricket Council has awarded it the prestigious List A status. This means that the tournament will be recognised as an official T20 tournament all tournament statistics will be recognised as official T20 statistics.

The List A status will be in place from Season 2 which begins next month.

The DP World ILT20 is the first ICC Associate Member league to have received the recognition.

The DP World ILT20 has succeeded in attracting some of the most high-profile players and franchises on the T20 circuit. Season 2 opens with an action-packed weekend in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

In the tournament opener on Friday, 19 January, defending champions Gulf Giants will take on the home side Sharjah Warriors at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Season 2 will feature T20 superstars like David Warner, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, David Willey, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Woakes, Chris Lynn and Maheesh Theekshana. More than 100 international and 24 UAE players will feature in the tournament.

ICC​
 
Dec Jan BBL
Jan Feb ILt20
Feb Mar PSL
Apr May IPL
JUL Aug CPL
Sep LPL
Nov T10
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R.I.P to international cricket
 
ILT20 introduces Super-Sub and Wildcard for Season 2

The DP World International League T2o has introduced the Super-Sub and Wildcard for Season 2. The UAE’s biggest T20 tournament commences on Friday, 19 January with a clash between defending champions Gulf Giants and Sharjah Warriors at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The two new features are set to add even more excitement for the fans with the six tournament franchises required to put on their thinking cap while putting together their strategies for both the composition of their final tournament squads through the Wildcard as well as their playing elevens and Super-Sub nominations during the 34-match tournament.

Each team will have an option to substitute one player at any stage of the match after completion of the first over of the innings.

If desired by the team, Super-Sub can be introduced right from the start of the second innings. A player once substituted cannot participate in the remaining part of the match.
The Head Coach shall nominate the Super-Sub to the fourth umpire and the on-field umpire will signal the scorers (wrists crossed above the head) indicating that the Super-Sub is being introduced.

The Super-Sub can be introduced after the start of the match or after completion of an over or in case of a batter, at the fall of the wicket or the batter retiring at any time during the over. The bowling team may also utilise a Super-Sub at the fall of a wicket, but that Super-Sub will not be permitted to bowl the remaining balls in that over if the wicket has fallen mid over.

Each franchise is permitted to add up to two additional players to its squad, beyond the original limit of 22 players. This is an option and not mandatory. If franchises have already reached the maximum $2.5m salary spend, they will be permitted to spend a maximum of 10% of the salary cap which is $250,000 on Wildcard players.

If teams still have some room within the original maximum $2.5m salary spend, they will be able to spend that remaining amount and if required, a further amount up to $250,000 while remaining within the Wildcard player spend.

Wildcard players may come into DP World ILT20 at any stage during the season. Wildcard players will not be eligible to be replaced by further replacement or Wildcard players.
 
ILT20 introduces Super-Sub and Wildcard for Season 2

The DP World International League T2o has introduced the Super-Sub and Wildcard for Season 2. The UAE’s biggest T20 tournament commences on Friday, 19 January with a clash between defending champions Gulf Giants and Sharjah Warriors at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The two new features are set to add even more excitement for the fans with the six tournament franchises required to put on their thinking cap while putting together their strategies for both the composition of their final tournament squads through the Wildcard as well as their playing elevens and Super-Sub nominations during the 34-match tournament.

Each team will have an option to substitute one player at any stage of the match after completion of the first over of the innings.

If desired by the team, Super-Sub can be introduced right from the start of the second innings. A player once substituted cannot participate in the remaining part of the match.
The Head Coach shall nominate the Super-Sub to the fourth umpire and the on-field umpire will signal the scorers (wrists crossed above the head) indicating that the Super-Sub is being introduced.

The Super-Sub can be introduced after the start of the match or after completion of an over or in case of a batter, at the fall of the wicket or the batter retiring at any time during the over. The bowling team may also utilise a Super-Sub at the fall of a wicket, but that Super-Sub will not be permitted to bowl the remaining balls in that over if the wicket has fallen mid over.

Each franchise is permitted to add up to two additional players to its squad, beyond the original limit of 22 players. This is an option and not mandatory. If franchises have already reached the maximum $2.5m salary spend, they will be permitted to spend a maximum of 10% of the salary cap which is $250,000 on Wildcard players.

If teams still have some room within the original maximum $2.5m salary spend, they will be able to spend that remaining amount and if required, a further amount up to $250,000 while remaining within the Wildcard player spend.

Wildcard players may come into DP World ILT20 at any stage during the season. Wildcard players will not be eligible to be replaced by further replacement or Wildcard players.
They need fans in the ground and for that reason alone, I hope PK players stay banned. No PK players means no PK fans, which means grounds have no atmosphere and this latest league crashes
 
ILT20, Wasim, Waqar and Shoaib Joined as commentators

The DP World International League T20 have unveiled a star-studded panel of commentators for the league’s Season 2. The world’s second most-watched league will be brought to life by a panel rounded-off with some of the leading cricketing experts in the world.

The voices behind some of the most iconic moments in the sport in recent years Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Rohan Gavaskar, Saba Karim, Nikhil Chopra, Vivek Razdan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar will be joined by Alan Wilkins, Simon Doull, Daren Ganga, Danny Morrison and Niall O’Brien.

Wasim Akram: “I am truly thrilled to be part of the commentary team for the second season of DP World ILT20. The three iconic venues in the UAE will serve as the canvas for some of the most prominent T20 stars to showcase their talent.”

Waqar Younis: “DP World ILT20 is truly a cricketing rendezvous, featuring a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, making the league a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts globally. It is a celebration of cricketing diversity, with an array of player and team rivalries. I am very excited to be part of the commentators’ panel for the upcoming edition.”

The tournament begins on Friday 19 January at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium with a clash between defending champions Gulf Giants and Sharjah Warriors.
 
How are these owners making any money from this?
 
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Dubai, UAE (Jan 12, 2024) –Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir, one of only 21 players to top 300 wickets in Twenty20 cricket history, has been drafted in by the Desert Vipers to reinforce their pace stocks for season two of the DP World ILT20.

The 31 year-old, who stepped back from international cricket in 2020, is also one of only six Pakistan players to top 50 international wickets in all three formats – Tests, One-Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals – with 259 victims in total for his country. And Amir brings a wealth of experience to the Vipers, having represented 17 teams in the format prior to making his Vipers bow, including the Karachi Kings in the 2023 Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Jamaica Tallawahs in the most recent edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Explaining Amir’s inclusion in the Desert Vipers squad, Director of Cricket Tom Moody said: “Players of Amir’s quality and experience are valuable assets, and we are delighted to have secured his services for this edition of the DP World ILT20.

“In signing Amir, we have lined up a player who knows both the format, and the conditions in the UAE, inside-out. He was playing in Abu Dhabi as recently as last month, for the New York Strikers in the T10 tournament, under one of our coaches, Carl Crowe, with the Strikers going on to win that event in large part due to Amir’s contributions with the ball.

“And in a world where player availability is not always guaranteed because of international commitments, the fact he no longer plays for Pakistan means call-ups for his national team are not an issue.“Amir adds further depth to our quality pace attack and we look forward to welcoming him to the Desert Vipers and to him contributing to what we hope and expect will be a successful campaign.”

Amir has tasted success at the highest levels of the sport, as part of Pakistan sides that won the ICC World T20 in 2009 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. He is one of only 11 Pakistan players to take 50 or more wickets in Twenty20 Internationals.Amir said he was thrilled at the opportunity to link up with the side that finished as runners-up in the inaugural edition of the DP World ILT20 in February 2023, losing out to the Gulf Giants in the final.

“I am really looking forward to joining the Desert Vipers team,” he said. “Last year they performed so well, and I hope I can help to make us one of the top sides again this season. “The dressing room has some very talented and experienced players like Alex Hales, Colin Munro and Sheldon Cottrell, and some exciting new faces, and I am really looking forward to playing with my fellow Pakistanis Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Azam Khan. “I always enjoy playing in the UAE because the cricket fans always support Pakistan players and cheer us on. I know the local conditions as I have played a lot of cricket there, so that will be an advantage for me. I cannot wait to come to Dubai, and meet the team and all the amazing coaching staff, including Carl Crowe, who I worked with in the T10 tournament last month.”

Amir had a busy 2023 which included finishing as the Jamaica Tallawahs’ top wickettaker in the CPL. The fast bowler also claimed most wickets for the Karachi Kings in the latest edition of the PSL.

The DP World ILT20 gets underway on Friday 19 January and the Desert Vipers’ first match is against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday 21 January.

Tickets for all Desert Vipers matches are now on sale and can be purchased via the official DP World ILT20 website or at any Virgin Megastore across the UAE.
 
Desert Vipers have recruited four Pakistani cricketers for the second season of ILT20

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So Shaheen skips a test match citing workload issues but is available for this.

Make it make sense.
 
For the Indian owned teams it doesn't matter if PCB bans or allows its players in the ILT20. They won't sign any pakistani.

IPL was played to packed houses in the UAE and without any pakistani.


Anyway, regardless of teams owned by Indian bigots, there are some bright prospects coming through in Pakistan's younger ranks like Saim Ayub. They will earn good money somewhere, Bharati bigots can't buy every T20 league.
 
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Anyway, regardless of teams owned by Indian bigots, there are some bright prospects coming through in Pakistan's younger ranks like Saim Ayub. They will earn good money somewhere, Bharati bigots can't buy every T20 league.

They can go anywhere, and earn money.
 
Pakistan players should only be playing 2 leagues a year. Nothing more than that. ILT20 and then maybe BPL or CPL.
PSL is Pakistan own league so I am not considering it. They should be available for National duty whenever and wherever they are needed. Cannot skip the national team and play some franchise games for money.
 
Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan and stars shine in ILT20 from Jan 19

The DP World ILT20 season 2, with a galaxy of star-studded teams, takes off from tomorrow January 19 (Friday). This one-month long contest consisting of six teams, is an Emirates Cricket Board’s event, and has a List A status granted by the International Cricket Council (ICC). On Thursday, team captains and vice captains who assembled at the Dubai International Stadium for a photo shoot with the trophy, and a press conference that followed, were upbeat about their respective team’s performances.

All teams are packed with legendary cricketers who have sparkled especially in the T20 format and those who have displayed outstanding performances in the recent ICC World Cup in India. Over 100 international cricketers will feature in Season 2. Stars like David Warner, Shaheen Afridi, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Alex Hales, Shadab Khan, Rovman Powell, Dasun Shanaka, Sikandar Raza, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, James Vince, Chris Jordan, Trent Boult, Carlos Brathwaite, Ambati Rayudu, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Chris Woakes, Sherfane Rutherford and Sheldon Cottrell will all be seen in action.

All the three venues – Dubai International Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium are ready to stage this event. Fifteen matches, including the final, will be held in Dubai, while Abu Dhabi will host 11 matches and Sharjah will stage eight matches. Night matches will commence from 6.30pm and the weekend day matches will start from 2.30pm.

The opening match will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on January 19 (Friday) when defending champions Gulf Giants take on Sharjah Warriors from 6.30pm (UAE time). Top umpires from around the world led by Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar will officiate the matches. The commentary team comprises legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Virender Sehwag, Shoaib Akhtar, Harbhajan Singh, and many former cricketers.

Legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar, Brand Ambassador for the DP World ILT20 season 2, set the tempo for the action to follow by stating: “They are all superstars. I am glad I was not born in this era. Players like Chris Lynn would have smacked me all over. Sunil Narine would have always got me out. Good luck to you all. I am sure you will be all rooting for your teams. This is the trophy to be won.” Akhtar then lauded UAE for creating such a platform through this tournament saying. “We saw UAE Under-19 team beating Pakistan Under-19 and this tournament has played a big role in showcasing young talent here.”
 
The International League ILT20 2024, announced by the ECB and Arab United Emirates. The ILT20 also controls it. It is scheduled from January 19, 2024, to February 17, 2024, in different stadiums in the UAE.

Six teams are going to participate in the DP World ILT20 League, and 34 matches will be played. The ECB announced the league’s starting and final date but has not announced the match’s schedule, timing, and dates.

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Which team are you supporting in this ILT20 2024?
 
Sharjah Warriors opt to bowl against Gulf Giants

Gulf Giants (Playing XI): James Vince(c), Usman Khan, Jordan Cox, Jamie Smith(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Karim Janat, Aayan Afzal Khan, Dominic Drakes, Chris Jordan, Jamie Overton, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Sharjah Warriors (Playing XI): Johnson Charles, Tom Kohler-Cadmore(c), Niroshan Dickwella(w), Basil Hameed, Daniel Sams, Lewis Gregory, Chris Woakes, Muhammad Jawadullah, Maheesh Theekshana, Christopher Sole, Qais Ahmad
 
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Defending champions Gulf Giants off to winning start over Sharjah Warriors in tournament opener


Gulf Giants registered 31-run win against hosts Sharjah Warriors in the opening tie of DP World ILT20 Season 2

James Overton, who provided the vital breakthrough for Giants and bagged the player of the match award, said: “I had a good run at the Big Bash, nice to come back and join the Gulf Giants again. We tried to hit the wicket, hit the top of off stump as much as we can, just tried to make it hard for the batters as much as we can. Trying to picking the brain of CJ (Chris Jordan), and try to keep on doing what we are doing.”

Sharjah, 19 January 2024: Defending champions Gulf Giants got off to winning start through their spectacular batting display and tight bowling to record an impressive 31-runs win over Sharjah Warriors in the opening match of the DP World ILT20 season 2 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Gulf Giants posted 198 for 7 in 20 overs building on the strength of a fine opening partnership of 61 runs in 5.2 overs between skipper James Vince and Jamie Smith. Vince top scored with 45 runs off 35 balls with three boundaries and two sixes while Smith cracked a breezy 42 off 18 balls with three boundaries and four sixes.

Off spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who bowled brilliantly provided the breakthrough. He returned with figures of 4 for 15 producing carrom ball deliveries and accurate off cutters. Usman Khan hit a quick 32 runs off 18 balls with four boundaries and a six while Jordan Cox chipped in with 32 off 22 balls with two boundaries and two sixes. At one stage it looked like Giants could post over 225 runs but for Theekshan’s tight bowling and Chris Woakes’s two wickets for 35 runs.

Sharjah Warriors began their chase confidently through an opening partnership of 93 in 10.3 overs between Martin Guptill and Johnson Charles but in end could muster only 167 for 7 in 20 overs. Jamie Overton struck to remove Guptill for 40 and also Charles for 57. After this partnership was broken Giants went for the kill with Chris Jordan striking twice in the 17th over. Guptill’s 40 came off 30 balls with six boundaries and a six. Charles’s 57 off 38 balls had six boundaries and three sixes.

Smith, who enthralled the crowd with some big hits, said: “It was nice to open the tournament and get runs with the bat. Though the ball kept a bit low we did really well to post such a score through some cameos from our batters. In T20 you want to go out, enjoy and try to entertain.”

Giants lived up to their reputation of being the champions despite losing the toss and put into bat on a freshly laid untested Sharjah wicket. Vince, expressing his delight over his team's winning start, said: “I think it was a pretty all-rounded performance, a lot of contributions. We can take a lot of confidence going forward. At the halfway stage, I think we were 20 runs ahead. We bowled well. Tough ground to catch with low lights. One player to go one and score 70-80, that is what we strive for but the whole line-up played well.

Warriors skipper Tom Kohler-Cadmore felt that his team felt short by 20 runs. “I think we were twenty short with both bat and ball. Back to training and we have to make sure that the next time we come here we are ready to go. They smashed the middle of the pitch and made us take it square of the wicket which we found difficult. When a team scores 200, you need to chase really well. There are little areas to improve on.”
 
While playing for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders against Desert Vipers in ILT20 2024, Imad Wasim didn't do well with the ball. He gave away 45 runs and only took one wicket in his 4 overs.

His performance has been a bit off lately, and it's not just this match. He also struggled in BBL 2024.

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The UAE's fascination with Bollywood seems unstoppable, with a Bollywood star present to watch the match of his team, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, against Desert Vipers.

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Thats your personal opinion, not backed by facts.

PSL matches or Pakistan matches in UAE didn't have packed houses.

IPL matches in UAE were sold out.

Anyways, Indian owned teams in ILT20 haven't signed any pakistani and are unlikely to sign one.
Big thankyou to Indian owners. Honestly, you guys are doing Pakistan cricket a big favour. Please ensure that no Pakistani players are allowed in any leagues.
 
Why does every team that consist of the most Pakistanis turn out to be the worst side in every franchise league these days?

Colombo Strikers
Melbourne Stars
Now Desert Vipers

Pakistani cricketers in numbers clearly are a problem
 
While playing for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders against Desert Vipers in ILT20 2024, Imad Wasim didn't do well with the ball. He gave away 45 runs and only took one wicket in his 4 overs.

His performance has been a bit off lately, and it's not just this match. He also struggled in BBL 2024.

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Mohammad Amir remained wicketless with figures of 0/35 in 4 overs for Desert Vipers, while Imad stayed not out at 4*(2) while batting for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The Riders secured victory by 6 wickets against the Vipers.
 
Desert Vipers 164/8 (20 overs)

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 166/4 (17.4 overs)

Riders won by 6 wickets
 
In a rubbish league amir and Imad has returned figures of 80 in 8 overs while taking 1 wicket.
 
Johnson Charles set ablaze the Dubai International Stadium by cracking a breezy 93 to ensure Sharjah Warriors registers a five-wicket win over Dubai Capitals in the fifth match of the DP World ILT20 Season 2.

The muscular West Indies opener, displaying his power-hitting skills, hit six sixers and eight boundaries in his 51-ball knock.

Winning captain Tom Kohler-Cadmore said: “It's nice to get your first win out of the way. Great to see the boys putting their hands up and winning the game for us. Whenever we needed a boundary, Basil Hameed came up clutch for us; it's great to see we've got a full squad of players. I believe we've got 20 guys who can win games for us.”

Dubai, 22 January 2024: Charles virtually carried his team on his shoulders with a 71 runs partnership in 51 balls for the fourth wicket with Lewis Gregory (16), and a 29-run stand with UAE’s Basil Hameed for the fifth wicket. Though Charles got out when Warriors needed 27 runs off 23 balls, Hameed, through an unbeaten 24, and Daniel Sams (16n.o), carried their team to the victory with seven balls to spare.

Capitals’ medium pacer Dushmantha Chameera picked four out of the five wickets that fell for 28 runs, but his efforts went in vain.

Capitals were put into bat, but they posted a fighting total of 170 for 7 in 20 overs. Sam Billings top scored with 52 runs off 32 balls with four sixes and one boundary while Sikandar Raza’s hit 48 runs off 23 balls with three boundaries and three sixes. Together they put on 81 runs for the fourth wicket off 44 balls after their team got off to a slow start scoring just 38 runs in the powerplay.

Skipper and opener David Warner played a sedate knock of 20 off 27 balls while Rahmaullah Gurbaz, fresh from this match winning knock of 81 against MI Emirates, got out for only 15 runs. One-drop Jake Fraser-McGurk too could muster only 14 runs. Daniel Sams picked three wickets for 28, which included the wickets of Gurbaz, Warner and Raza. He was well backed by Chris Woakes (2 for 21) and Mahesh Theekshana (2 for 32). Theekshana, who had also bagged four wickets in his first match against Gulf Giants, received the white belt for being the leading wicket-taker of the tournament so far.

In pursuit of their target of 171 runs, Warriors brought in opener Martin Guptill as the super- sub in place of Dilshan Madushanka, but he got run out for 2.

Skipper and opener Tom Kohler-Cadmore then edged Dushmantha Chameera to wicketkeeper Gurbaz for 3.

Charles began with a six off Chameera and then went on to hit Jason Holder for a six and a boundary to wipe away the effect of the early dismissals.

Niroshan Dickwella, who put on 25 runs in 12 balls with Charles, got out to Chameera for 7. By the end of the powerplay, Charles ensured that Warriors was strongly placed at 60 for 3 by scoring 42 off those runs. He raced to his half century in 26 balls.

Lewis Gregory provided good support to Charles who kept scoring freely. In the last ten overs, Warriors needed 79 runs. Chameera picked his third wicket clean bowling Gregory in the 13th over for 16. He also went on to take the wicket of Charles forcing him to top edge to wicketkeeper Gurbaz when he was seven runs short of his century. Hameed and Sams then carried their team to the target.

Commenting on his knock, the hero of the day and player of the match as well as the current green belt holder for high run-getter, Charles said: “This pitch was very good, bit more bounce, which meant a lot more leeway. Just had to make the most of the powerplay, which we did. I just want to keep it going. As we age, we get better, like fine wine, so I want to get better. Very important to get good starts in the powerplay, you get on top of the opposition.”

Commenting on his team’s defeat, Warner remarked: “Toss is a key component to this ground. Lots of dew here. We left a few runs out there, myself included. They bowled really well to me in the powerplay. It's always tough when you bat first here.We bowled way too many bad balls to Johnson.”



Brief scores:
Sharjah Warriors bt Dubai Capitals by 5 wkts. Dubai Capitals 170 for 7 in 20 overs (David Warner 20, Sam Billings 52, Sikandar Raza 48, Chris Woakes 2 for 21, Daniel Sams 3 for 28, Mahesh Theekshana 2 for 32) Sharjah Warriors 171 for 5 in 18.5 overs (Johnson Charles 93, Basil Hameed 24n.o, Dushmantha Chameera 4 for 28)
Player of the Match: Johnson Charles
 
MI Emirates (Playing XI) - Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kusal Perera, Nicholas Pooran (C/WK), Tim David, Trent Boult, Waqar Salamkheil.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Playing XI) - Alishan Sharafu, Andries Gous (WK), Andre Russell, David Willey, Imad Wasim, Joshua Little, Laurie Evans, Matiullah Khan, Michael Pepper, Sam Hain, Sunil Narine (C).
MI Emirates have elected to BOWL first.
 
MI Emirates skittle out Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for 95 runs to record an emphatic nine-wicket win

Through an enthralling display of bowling prowess, MI Emirates skittled out Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for 95 runs in 14.1 overs to record a resounding nine-wicket win in the sixth match of the DP World ILT20 Season 2 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Trent Boult (3 for 14) wiped away the cream of the Knight Riders’ batting backed by Akeal Hosein with two wickets for 21 runs. Knight Riders’ experienced allrounder Andre Russell stood amidst the ruins to hit a fighting 48 runs off 25 balls with four sixes and three boundaries. Muhammad Rohid Khan hastened the end of Knight Riders’ innings taking three wickets for 25 runs.

MI Emirates began their chase with Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera striking comfortably. Waseem started by hitting Josh Little for two boundaries and a six off consecutive deliveries in the first over while Perera did the same against David Willey in the second over off successive deliveries. Together they put on 42 runs in 4.2 overs before Perera got out to Matiullah Khan caught by Sunil Narine at mid-on for 22.

Skipper Nicholas Pooran, who joined Waseem, carried his team quickly to the target with an unbeaten 39 off 16 balls with five sixes and one boundary. Waseem remained unbeaten on 26 off 20 balls with two boundaries and a six. The MI Emirates won the match with 71 balls to spare. This big win lifted them to the top of the table too.

The tale of Knight Riders’ disastrous batting began after Emirates won the toss and elected to bowl. Knight Riders lost half the side for 22 runs in 6.1 overs. UAE’s 21-year-old opener Alishan Sharafu had started off by scoring boundaries off Hosein and Boult, but fell in the third over hitting Hosein to Tim David at mid-off for 10. His opening partner Andries Gous, who had hit a match winning unbeaten 95 against Desert Vipers in his previous match, was joined by Michael Pepper. Boult removed Pepper (5) and Sam Hain (0), both of whom edged to wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran. He also went on to get Gous, caught by Dwayne Bravo at mid-on for 3. Hosein uprooted Laurie Evans off stump for 1.

Imad Wasim and Andre Russell pushed the score to 47 before Wasim became the sixth wicket to fall, caught by Bravo at slip off Fazalhaq Farooqi for 7. In the 10th over, Ravi Bopara played Muhammad Rohid on to his wicket for a duck. Rohid also had David Willley caught by David at mid-on for a duck. At the half way mark, Abu Dhabi was tottering at 53 for 8.

Skipper Narine, who joined Andre Russell, lasted just five balls to score one run before hitting high to Boult at mid-off. Russell though kept the scoreboard moving through some big hits. He smashed Rohid for two sixes in the 14th over and put on 36 runs in 16 balls with last man Josh Little.

Russell’s innings ended when Waqar Salamkheli had him caught by Muhammad Waseem at long-on when he was two runs short of his half century. Riders’ innings ended four runs short of the 100-run mark.

Player of the Match, Boult said: “I had a simple game plan. Try to pitch it up and search for some swing. I saw in the earlier game that it was swinging around early, so wanted to maximize the conditions. Akeal is a quality player, he swings the bowl well himself too. It’s not often that we get to see eight overs by the new ball bowlers.”

Knight Riders captain Narine wants his players to forget this mishap. “When you lose four wickets in the powerplay, you are on the back foot. The key to this game was to soak up the pressure and accumulate. You’ve got to get it out of the way tonight and forget it as soon as possible because we have a game in two days’ time. They are senior guys, and they will know where they went wrong.”

A delighted MI skipper Nicholas Pooran wants his team to capitalize on this big win. “We wanted to win this game and respond after the first game where we lost heavily. The guys accepted the challenge. Boult bowled amazingly. Hopefully we can be consistent, keep our feet on the ground, come out for the next game with the same, consistent mindset.”


Brief scores:


MI Emirates bt Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 9 wkts. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 95 in 14.1 overs (Andre Russell 48, Akeal Hosein 2 for 21, Trent Boult 3 for 14, Muhammad Rohid Khan 3 for 25) MI Emirates 96 for 1 in 8.1 overs (Muhammad Waseem 26n.o, Kusal Perera 22, Nicholas Pooran 39n.0)

Player of the Match: Trent Boult
 
How many leagues are going around at this time of the year, cricket fans have their heads in spin, do the genuine cricket fan really cares about these mockery leagues only famous for murky business.

BBL, SAT20, ILt20 BPL, Sind League that's 5 leagues in action and PSL knocking on the door righ, from Oceania to Africa to Middle East to Asia exceptional
 
Probably, I have seen Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi bowling together in the power play for Desert Vipers again Gulf Gaints. It was a treat to watch. Both were going edge to edge.

Mohammad Amir: 1/3 (2 overs)

Shaheen Shah Afridi: 1/7 (2 overs)
 
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Despite Shadab Khan's efforts in rehabilitation, things aren't going well for him. Today, playing for Desert Vipers against Gulf Giants in ILT20, he ended up giving away 40 runs in 4 overs without managing to take any wickets.
 
SSA 3/22 in his 4 overs while bowling for Desert Vipers against Gulf giants.

Mohammad Amir on the other hand registered a bowling figure of 1/27 in his four overs while playing for the same side.

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Probably, I have seen Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi bowling together in the power play for Desert Vipers again Gulf Gaints. It was a treat to watch. Both were going edge to edge.

Mohammad Amir: 1/3 (2 overs)

Shaheen Shah Afridi: 1/7 (2 overs)
IMO Shaheen should try and convince Amir to come back

Harris Rauf cannot be trusted as a bowler
 
Wow a football sort player substitution in ILT20 in the match between Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants. Desert Vipers substituted Tymal Mills for Sherfane Rutherford.
 
Wow a football sort player substitution in ILT20 in the match between Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants. Desert Vipers substituted Tymal Mills for Sherfane Rutherford.
It was started by IPL I believe. Maybe soon it will come to international cricket as well.
 
Wanindu Hasaranga, Shaheen Afridi and Azam Khan help Desert Vipers conquer Gulf Giants

Shaheen Afridi’s deadly spell of three wickets for 22 runs and breezy knocks from Wanindu Hasaranga and Azam Khan guided Desert Vipers to a six-wicket win over defending champions Gulf Giants in the seventh match of the DP World ILT20 Season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium. The clash of the finalists of the first edition saw Afridi’s spell restrict Giants to 160 for 6 in 20 overs.

Vipers won the match with eight balls to spare through Hasaranga’s 42 off just 19 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. He had put on 57 runs in 33 deliveries for the third wicket with Adam Hose. Afzal Khan then hit a breezy unbeaten 26 off 14 balls with three boundaries and a six. He too added 41 runs in 19 balls for the fourth wicket with Hose, who hit a sedate 39 runs off 35 balls with four boundaries. Vipers who were at the bottom of the table have now jumped to the fourth place.

For the Giants, Chris Lynn top scored with 63 runs off 42 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes. He put on 89 runs off 59 balls for the third wicket with Jordan Cox before Afridi put the brakes on the run flow. Cox hit 32 off 29 balls with a boundary and a six.

Vipers won the toss and chose to bowl. In the opening over, Pakistan T20 skipper Afridi, making his tournament debut, conceded a boundary to Jamie Smith over mid-off off the fifth ball. Mohammad Amir took a wicket in the second over, dismissing skipper James Vince for 1 as he lifted the ball to Colin Munro at mid-on. Afridi also claimed a wicket in the third over, clean bowling Smith for 5 after a missed big hit.

Lynn wiped away the impact of two early wickets by scoring two boundaries and a six off Tymal Mills. Cox played second fiddle as Lynn went for the big hits. Lynn reached his half-century in 35 balls with six boundaries and three sixes. When the Giants were four runs short of the 100-run mark, Mills made Lynn miscue his shot, and wicketkeeper Azam Khan caught the skier for 63.

Shimron Hetmyer, who joined Cox, got out caught behind for 10 off Hasaranga. After that, Afridi picked his second wicket, forcing Cox to hit to Alex Hales at long-on for 32. Chris Jordan became Afridi’s third victim, falling identically for 14. Usman Khan hit an unbeaten 16 to ensure his team a challenging total.

Needing 161 to win, Vipers lost an early wicket when Richard Gleeson, who came in as Super Sub in place of Lynn, got Colin Munro out caught at third man for 6. Hales on 11 escaped being stumped off a Mujeeb Ur Rehman slider but fell in the seventh over to Dominic Drakes to a spectacular catch by Aayan Khan at the fine leg boundary for 21.

Hasaranga who joined Adam Hose hit Aayan Khan for two consecutive boundaries and also Jordan for a six and a boundary off successive balls. At the half way mark, Vipers needed 85 runs to win. Drakes picked the valuable wicket of Hasaranga in the 13th over by getting him caught by Usman Khan at long-off for 42.

Azam Khan unleased his hard-hitting skills and whacked Jordan for a six to mid-wicket followed by three boundaries off Blessing Muzarabani in the 15th over. This reduced the target to a gettable 32 runs from the last five overs. Hose got out to Gleeson, caught behind for 39 but Sherfane Rutherford and Khan steered their team to the target.

Vipers skipper Colin Munro hailed Hasaranga and Afridi; “It was a team effort, winning the toss was a big favour. Hasaranga was just brilliant, what a player. When you come up against Gulf Giants, we need to have our plans in place. We have all the analysts in T20 cricket, but what's most important is adapt to what is in front of you. Afridi was outstanding and has so much experience, he knows his skill and executes them really well.”

Giants skipper Vince lauded Hasaranga’s knock. “We started well with the ball, put the pressure on them, but the way Hasaranga came out and batted took the game away from us. We need to tidy up in all facets on the game. We can't afford to have lull periods because quality opposition will make you pay.”

Player of the match Hasaranga said: “I bat at number 7 generally, but today I had a chance up the order so I tried to go on the attack. I like to have that all-rounder tag in front of my name, so happy to perform with the bat as well.”

Brief scores:

Desert Vipers bt Gulf Giants by 6 wkts. Gulf Giants 160 for 6 in 20 overs (Chris Lynn 63, Jordan Cox 32, Shaheen Afridi 3 for 22) Desert Vipers 162 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Alex Hales 21, Adam Hose 39, Wanindu Hasaranga 42, Azam Khan 26n.o, Sherfane Rutherford 20n.o)


Player of the Match: Wanindu Hasaranga
 
Dubai Capitals (Unchanged Playing XI) - Akif Raja, Rahul Chopra, Roelof van der Merwe, David Warner (C), Dushmantha Chameera, Jason Holder, Kane Richardson, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Vriitya Aravind, Abdul Ghaffar, Haider Ali, Paul van Meekeren, Ben Dunk, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Max Holden.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Unchanged Playing XI) - Alishan Sharafu, Matiullah Khan, Andries Gous (WK), Andre Russell, David Willey, Imad Wasim, Joshua Little, Laurie Evans, Michael Pepper, Sam Hain, Sunil Narine (C), Adhitya Shetty, Sabir Ali, Ali Khan, Jake Lintott, Joe Clarke, Marchant de Lange, Ravi Bopara.

TOSS - Dubai Capitals have won the Toss and elected to BOWL first.
 
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 183/4

Dubai Capitals (16.1/20 ov, T:184) 185/5


Dubai Capitals won by 5 wickets with 23 balls remaining
 
Dubai, 25 January 2024: Dubai Capitals’ Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza produced a clinical run chase to register a five-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the eighth match of the DP World ILT20 season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium. Chasing Knight Riders’ impressive total of 183 for 4 in 20 overs, Billings cracked an elegant 67 off 35 balls with nine boundaries and one six, well-backed by Sikandar Raza who scored 43 off 29 balls with five boundaries, to win the match with 23 balls to spare. The pair put on a 109 runs partnership off 59 balls for the fourth wicket.

None expected Dubai Capitals to record such a comfortable win after Knight Riders’ impressive batting show lead by Sam Hain and Laurie Evans. They had put on a 131-run partnership in 78 balls for the fourth wicket. Hain scored 77 runs off 49 balls with eight boundaries and two sixes. Evans hit an unbeaten 67 off 41 balls with six boundaries and two sixes.

Dubai Capitals were faced with the challenge of having to score at a run rate of 9.15. They also lost their skipper and star batsman David Warner to the second ball of the first over for a duck, trapped leg before by David Willey. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz too would have gone for a duck had Andre Russell not dropped an easy catch at long-on off Imad Wasim. Jake Fraser-McGurk then hit Wasim for two successive sixes and Willey for consecutive sixes. But Russell ended his innings forcing him to top edge a pull shot for a return catch for 41. Sunil Narine removed Gurbaz edging to wicketkeeper Gous for 21.

Sam Billings and Raza took the score past the 100-run mark in 8.2 overs. By the half way mark, the pair made the target gettable with 64 runs needed to win. Billings reached his half century in 27 balls. He fell at the score of 67 caught by Evans at long-on off Narine. Raza followed seven runs short of his half century, caught and bowled to a leading edge when Capitals needed only four runs to win.

Earlier, Capitals, who had lost their last match to Sharjah Warriors, won the toss and elected to bowl. Knight Riders, who were bowled out for just 95 runs in their previous match by MI Emirates, began on a shaky note through a double strike from Dushmantha Chameera. Andries Gous got clean bowled to Dushmantha Chameera for 4 while one-drop Michael Pepper edged to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 4.

Hain went for his shots but opener Alishan Sharafu hit Roelof van der Merwe straight to Sam Billings at mid-wicket for 15 in the seventh over. Laurie Evans and Hain took the score to 75 for 3 by the half way mark. Jason Holder got smashed for 18 runs in in the 13th over with Evans hitting two boundaries and a six off successive balls. Evans reached his half century in 28 balls. Hain too reached his half century in 37 balls. They recorded their 100 runs partnership in 66 balls. Holder ended Hain’s knock with the second ball of the last over forcing him to hit straight to Sikandar Raza at extra over.

Capitals skipper David Warner hailed his boys, stating: “The boys stayed calm. With two set batters, we stuck to our plans and it made things better. My first message to the team was to be brave, express yourself and execute your skills. Have a clear mind and then you win the game comprehensively, like today.”

Knight Riders skipper Sunil Narine said bowling with the dew was tough. “I think we batted well, it was a good total. Picking up early wickets would have been good for us bowling second. Their batters stuck to their plan, and not losing wickets helped them. Bowling second with the dew makes it difficult for spinners. However, we need to execute better.”

Player of the Match, Sam Billings, said that he only maintained the momentum. “I think it is a lot easier when you are ahead of the game, thanks to Fraser-McGurk and Gurbaz. We just had to continue that momentum. Although the toss does play a factor, we played really well. Raza and I were running hard between the wickets, and the lack of dot balls puts pressure on the bowlers.”


Brief scores:

Dubai Capitals bt Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 5 wkts. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 183 for 4 in 20 overs (Sam Hain 77, Laurie Evans 67*, Dushmantha Chameera 2 for 35) Dubai Capitals 185 for 5 in 16.1 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 21, Jake Fraser-McGurk 41, Sam Billings 67, Sikandar Raza 43, David Willey 2 for 44, Sunil Narine 2 for 23)



Player of the Match: Sam Billings
 
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