Abu Dhabi: Former UAE skipper and current selector Khurram Khan feels that two innings of 10 overs each in a T20 game could well be the future of slam-bang cricket.

Khan will be the part of this new format at the 2X Cricket USA Cup which gets underway at Houston, Texas from November 9-13. He will be leading Danube UAE Falcons in the tournament comprising eight professional teams with plenty of international players.

“It will add an exciting new twist to the already existing T20 format. It allows the teams to reassess the situation after one innings and come again and play. If you miss out on the opportunity, you can again come back and prove yourself in the second innings,” said Khurram, adding, “So all the players get a second chance to prove themselves. It is different and I think it can be the future of T20 cricket. I haven’t played in such a format before and so [am] really looking forward to it.”

Khurram went on to reveal that he was part of the bid process for Danube. “Apart from the local players, UAE Falcons team has players from Oman, Canada, US and Afghanistan. I was part of the bidding process on behalf of Danube. T20 cricket is picking up big time in the US and the planning for this event was going on for three months now,” revealed Khurram, whose bowling attack will be led by UAE current skipper Amjad Javed.

Last month, Danube had closed down their indoor and outdoor teams following disillusionment with the standard of competition and the manner in which tournaments were run. That move was a huge setback to domestic cricket.

In this tournament, they have, however, decided to provide an opportunity for UAE under-19 player — Mohammad Riyan, who is currently studying in England with Seaford College.

“I want to prove to myself that I can play at that level and keep playing at that level. That is also what I want to do in England. It is an opportunity and I want to make the most of it. I want do well as my aim is to play for the UAE,” said an elated Riyan, who felt that it will be a huge learning curve for him as he will get an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best players in World Cricket.

The high profile names that figure in the list include Pakistan spin ace Saeed Ajmal, Asad Ali and Kamran Akmal, who will be playing for Pakistan First. Former West Indian cricketer Ricardo Powell, who resides in the United States and in June was named the new chairman of USA selection panel, will also be taking part. Danube UAE Falcons are in group A alongside Somerset Cavaliers, Montgomery Sports and Nepali Rhinos, while Group B consists of Houston Sparks, Pakistan First, Underdogs and Smart Choice. UAE Falcons play their opening match against Somerset Cavaliers on November 9.