Dubai: The UAE is set to create history in December through the T10 Cricket League to be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This tournament will be the shortest version in the history of cricket to be played by international cricketers. T10 cricket league was launched through a colourful function at the JW Marriot Marquis Hotel with legends of the game backing the event and expecting it to create a new trend in world cricket.
When Gulf News asked Shahid Afridi whether the tournament will produce centuries as his first international century took only 37 balls, he said: “When I was told of the idea I was thrilled and requested that I want to play. I love this format and it is a format especially if you want to introduce cricket to new people.”
Shaji Ul Mulk, the chairman of the league feels that the concept which he created will go on to make history. “It is history in the making. It is a defining moment in the history of cricket,” he said.
Backing Shaji’s dreams of transforming the event into history is former Pakistan captain Inzamam Ul Haq who said: “After T20 took a step, this is another big step. Fans will get to see exciting cricket.”
Former Pakistan captain Misbah Ul Haq feels it will be good for young and old. “It’s an exciting idea and a good thing for players like me. It will need just ten overs of batting and then fielding and at this age I can afford that,” said Misbah who even at 43 looks fit and young.
England skipper Eoin Morgan is looking forward to play T10 cricket and said: “The whole concept is exciting. We all remember when the first time Twenty20 cricket was played and since then it has impacted the other formats. If this new idea takes off, then I am sure it will also impact other forms of the game.”
The six teams which will feature in the tournament are: Maratha Arabians, Punjabi Legends, Bangla Tigers, Keralite Kings, Colombo Lions and Pakhtoons. Legends India’s Virender Sehwag, and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hassan are also brand ambassadors of the event, approved by the International Cricket Council supported by Emirates Cricket Board and will be held from December 21 to 24.
