Sharjah: Kerala Kings, the winners of the first edition of the T10 Cricket League, will further strengthen their squad by including players from associate member nations like Afghanistan and Nepal in the next edition.
Speaking to Gulf News after their first edition’s success celebration function, hosted by Kerala Kings owners Shafi-Ul Mulk and Adam Ali at the Rixon Plam Jumeriah, Ul Mulk said: “We have realised the potential of players from Afghanistan, Nepal and ICC’s associate countries and hence have informed Eoin Morgan, if retained as our team’s captain, to spot budding talents from these regions.”
The celebration was attended by regional cricket council officials, top businessmen and cricket enthusiasts. “We are very keen to bring in some talented budding Kerala cricket players too into the next edition to promote the game in India’s southern state and also increase Kerala Kings’s brand value. India’s Shanthakumaran Sreesanth has shown interest to participate once the Board of Control for Cricket in India gives him the clearance,” added Ul Mulk.
Adam Ali is confident that the success of the first edition will continue. “The success of the team has been due to the large following from the expatriates who turned up in large numbers to cheer for the team. None left the stadium though the match finished only past midnight.”
Kerala Kings team coach and former Indian all-rounder Robin Singh, who guided the team to victory, was felicitated during the function.
Shaji Ul Mulk, the chairman of the T10 Cricket League, who visualised the league, said: “There were doubts whether cricket which is played for five days when reduced to 90 minutes per match will be a success but the cricket fans in the UAE by turning out in large numbers proved that it is an enjoyable tournament and has a bright future.”
Salman Iqbal, the President of the T10 Cricket League, said: “With two more teams set to participate in the next edition, the competition will be more intense and exciting to watch.”
The Kerala Kings team management decided to invite the cricket fraternity for the success celebration due to many reasons. “Kerala Kings are the first team ever to win a tournament that has been played in T10 format at the international level and as it is a special achievement. We wanted to share the joy of this special achievement and is delighted to have so many illustrious stalwarts and passionate cricket lovers attend the success celebration. It is also a testimonial to their support and love for the innovative T10 cricket concept,” said Ul Mulk.
