ICC approval for T10 league to usher in top stars

Speaking to Gulf News, Shaji-Ul-Mulk, the chairman of the T10 league, who had visualised this format, said: “The approval from the ICC firmly establishes T10 as a format. This sanction from the world body would enable all cricket playing nations to give NOCs to their players to participate in this league and it will enable cricket fans here to see a lot more of the excellent cricketers in action.”

The first edition, which was played with six teams, was won by Kerala Kings, captained by England’s Eoin Morgan. The second edition, with an addition of two more teams, will become a ten-day event.

“One of the reasons for the ICC approval is the way we conducted the first edition. We followed all the ICC regulations and matches were played with ICC panel of umpires. The sanction from the ICC lifts the credibility of this league at the global level,” added Shaji.

This league is held under the auspices of the Emirates Cricket Board. Zayed Abbas, Board Member and official spokesperson of the Emirates Cricket Board, said: “We shared the vision and belief of the organisers in this format. From here on, it is important to grow the league and the format and ensure that players, teams and the fans get an experience to remember.”

Soon after the staging of the first edition of this league, discussions were held on the evolution of cricket from 50 over to 10-over and today this event is the shortest format in the history of the game. “This sanction from ICC for T10 League gives our partners, stakeholders and more importantly the players a much-needed boost. Having said that, it additionally gives us responsibility to ensure we keep growing year-on-year and make this format globally acceptable,” said Shaji.

Salman Iqbal, the President of the T10 league, said: “From four-day league to a ten-day league with more teams and larger pool of international players is a testament of faith shown by fans and stakeholders.”

This league’s mini draft held last month saw some of the world’s finest cricketers being picked by the teams with Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan becoming Maratha Arabians icon player, Australia’s Shane Watson has already been roped in as new team Karachians’ icon player.