Dubai: Dubai cricket fans are awaiting thrilling entertainment when the Emirates airline Twenty20 gets under way at The Sevens cricket ground on April 1.
This year's tournament is likely to serve up a treat with the likes of former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, England spinner Monty Panesar and Kiwi batsman Lou Vincent all in the mix.
County champions Nottinghamshire will be taking on Durham, Sussex and defending champions Fly Emirates XI as well as a specially assembled MCC-side captained by Ganguly.
"It gives me great pleasure to welcome Durham, Sussex, Nottinghamshire and the MCC to Dubai for what promises to be an entertaining spectacle of sport," said Richard Vaughan, Emirates DSVP Commercial Operations Worldwide.
"We are also looking forward to watching our very own Fly Emirates XI side get the tournament under way in the opening match here at The Sevens, Emirates' dedicated sports and events facility. The cricket pitches have been in operation for a year now and are in top condition, so the stage is set for a great day of sport."
Going the distance
Looking forward to the challenge is Sussex's Monty Panesar, who was part of England's Ashes winning squad last season.
"All the squad at Sussex are very much looking forward to the pre-season trip to Dubai and in particular the Emirates Airline Twenty20 tournament, as it will be great to get into some competitive action before the new season in England," said Panesar.
"We did well to get to the final of the tournament last year and we'll be looking to go one better this time around," he added.
The Durham team, who feature the likes of Steve Harmison, Ian Blackwell and Phil Mustard, are equally fired up for the tournament and will be tough to beat.
"The lads always go in to every competition wanting to win and this competition is no different. Winning is a habit and one we want to get in to straight away," said Harmison.
Matches begin at The Sevens at 10.30am on April 1.
