Dubai: The Emirates Cricket Board released the T20 League logo on Wednesday.
The logo displays the words UAE T20X.
The five-franchise competition, which will include international and regional players, will begin on December 19 and end on January 11.
The ‘X’ in the name reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the people living in the UAE, a media statement said, and the intention is to put on an unforgettable, innovative cricket experience that has the X-factor.
The league will be a 22-match event spread over 24 days and held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The five teams will be made up of 16 players.
Each team will comprise six international star players, four emerging and junior players, three ICC Associate Member players; and three UAE national team players.
To date, the Boards of seven ICC Test member nations have given their consent to their players taking part in the new league, officials said.
It includes England & Wales, the West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland, together with 12 ICC Associate Member nations.
The organisers of the new competition, OPi Sports, are aiming for the T20 league to be the most progressive and inclusive in the world. The ambition over the next three years is for UAE T20x to be a global showcase for innovation and a unique festival of cricket.
Zayed Abbas, ECB Board Member and Official Spokesperson, remarked: “The number one aim of UAE T20x is to offer a developmental platform for the best young cricketers from around the world, and of course the UAE, to showcase their talent alongside the icons of the game. We want this new league to play its part in helping to grow the game, so we are looking forward to announcing, over the coming weeks, some of the hottest names in cricket who will be part of UAE T20x.”
