MI Emirates to face Dubai Capitals in blockbuster DP World ILT20 Season 3 opener

Dubai: MI Emirates will kick-start their DP World International League T20 defence against Dubai Capitals in the Season 3 opener at the Dubai International Stadium on January 11.

The blockbuster will pit West Indian Nicholas Pooran against the dashing Australian opener David Warner and the two captains will spare no efforts to get off to the perfect start.

A total of 34 matches will be staged in the monthlong tournament, which will conclude with the final in Dubai on February 9.

“The DP World ILT20’s glittering trophy is one of the most sought-after prizes in the cricket calendar and we expect fierce battle between the global superstars, who will be giving it their all for their respective franchise,” David White, DP World ILT20 CEO, said in a statement released by the league.

“Our six teams have gathered a line-up of world-class T20 stars besides the best of the UAE talent, who will combine to provide rich entertainment to cricket fans during the 34-match tournament.”

The six DP World ILT20 franchises have retained T20 superstars like Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Akeal Hossein (MI Emirates), Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz Wildcard Pick in Season 2) and Johnson Charles (Sharjah Warriorz).

Additionally, Jason Roy (Sharjah Warriorz), Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants) and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates) will make their DP World ILT20 debuts in Season 3 and dazzle the crowds.

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will launch their Season 3 campaign with a home game against Season 1 finalists’ Desert Vipers on January 12 at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, while season 1 champions Gulf Giants will face the Sharjah Warriorz in their tournament opener in Dubai on the same evening. The first of eight matches at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is set to be an exciting clash between the hosts Sharjah Warriorz and Dubai Capitals on January 17.

Fifteen tournament matches will be played at the Dubai International Stadium. Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium will host 11 while the Sharjah Cricket Stadium will be the centre stage for eight Season 3 matches.

“We are set for a bigger and better edition of the DP World International League T20. The DP World ILT20 provides both spectators at the stadium and fans from around the world via our global broadcast partners Zee Network the opportunity to witness riveting cricketing action. In the coming days we would be launching Season 3 match tickets with special offers for both the diehards and fans while encouraging families to come in numbers especially during the weekends at our fan carnivals at the stadiums in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah,” White added.