Cricket
All you need to know about ILT20, the second-most profitable T20 league in the world.
Will players’ stats from the International League T20 be in their files? Who are the important people to watch?
The UAE has hosted the T20 World Cup, the IPL, and a T10 league in the past few years. Now, the International League T20 will be held there (ILT20). Here is what you need to know about the league where the teams are the youngest.
Where and when will ILT20 happen?
The Emirates Cricket Board has approved the first ILT20, which will be played by six teams from January 13 to February 12 in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi in the UAE. Dubai Capitals, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, MI Emirates, Sharjah Warriors, Gulf Giants, and Desert Vipers will all compete for the title.
Does it sound to you like the IPL?
Three of the six teams in the league are owned by people who also own teams in the IPL. These are the Mumbai Indians, the Delhi Capitals, and the Kolkata Knight Riders. This makes you feel at home, but the ILT20 is not the same as the IPL. There can be no more than nine players from outside the UAE in each playing XI. At least two players from the UAE and two players from outside the UAE who are in the squad but not in the starting XI are also allowed. Even Full Member nations are upset about the demand for foreign players because they think the new league could throw off the balance of cricket around the world.
Will ILT20 stats be added to a player’s T20 record?
Nope. Tournaments that are held in countries that aren’t Full Members of the ICC, like the UAE, can’t be given T20 status. When Canada’s T20 league, Global T20 Canada, tried to become a T20 league, the same thing happened. In 2022, the same thing happened at the Fairbreak International, a women’s T20 tournament in Dubai.
Andre Russell, Sunil Narine… Who else should you keep an eye on?
Let’s start with Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, who are two of the most well-known T20 players in the world. They have already played for the Knight Riders in the IPL and the CPL, and they will do so again in the ILT20. Trent Boult, Akeal Hosein, Colin Munro, and Marcus Stoinis will all fly in for the ILT20. All of them play in the BBL.
Sri Lankans Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Chamika Karunaratne will also be in action in the Emirates. Indians Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan will also be playing in the league. Both players quit both international and Indian cricket to become free agents. If Dubai’s players do well, they might find it easier to join other franchise leagues. Uthappa has said he wants to play in both the CPL and the Hundred.
Watch out for Namibia’s left-handed fast bowler Ruben Trumpelmann. Against Scotland in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi, he hit three times in the first over. Bas de Leede, who is from the Netherlands and can play any position, is also back in the UAE. He played for Samp Army in the Abu Dhabi T10 league at the end of last year.
Is there anyone in the ILT20 from Pakistan?
Nah. Moin, who used to be the wicketkeeper for Pakistan, is Azam Khan’s father. He was first listed as a player for the Vipers, but the PCB wouldn’t let him play in the ILT20. No one from Pakistan is in the SA20 either. It’s important to know that the eighth season of the PSL is likely to start in February 2023, just a few days after the ILT20 ends.
Okay, tell me about the players from the UAE who could make a big difference.
Karthik Meiyappan is the most exciting player in the UAE. He plays for the Sharjah Warriors and has a quick wrist spin and a googly that turns more than his legbreak. Karthik has played in the IPL in the UAE for both the Chennai Super Kings and the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has also done well in the Emirates D20 tournament, which is held in the UAE.
Then there’s Zahoor Khan, who works for MI Emirates and has also been seen outside of the UAE. The fast bowler most recently played in the Lanka Premier League for the Kandy Falcons (LPL). He used to be a net bowler for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
Vriitya Aravind can also improve his white-ball game at the ILT20. Last year, the wicketkeeper-batsman from Chennai had 781 runs in 21 ODI innings, with an average of 41.10 and a strike rate of 72.71. This made him the second person with the most runs in ODIs. Vriitya can also play scoops, but his T20 batting is still a work in progress. He can’t wait to talk to Nicholas Pooran at MI Emirates.
Do franchises ever make strange decisions? We have heard that Joe Root is…
Last year, former England captain Joe Root made a rare trip to the global T20 circuit when he signed contracts with the Capitals (ILT20) and the Royals (IPL). He hasn’t played in a Twenty20 International in almost four years, but he wants to show what he can do in the shortest format.
Since Jonny Bairstow is hurt and can’t play, the Knight Riders have brought in Connor Esterhuizen. The Lions’ wicketkeeper-batsman did not take part in the SA20. So far, he has only played in four List A games and one T20 game. Sri Lankan Under-19 spinner Treveen Mathew has also joined the Knight Riders. Rajasthan Royals reportedly asked Mathew, who is 18 years old, to try out before the IPL 2023 auction, but he didn’t make the shortlist.
Is the T20 league really the one that makes the second most money in the world?
Yes, it pays the best players a huge $450,000 per season. For some players, this makes it the second-best Twenty20 league after the IPL. “Total direct payout,” which is what the league calls the highest salary a player can get, is USD 450,000. The amount of the wage slot plus a bonus for being a loyal customer is the “total direct payout.” For example, if the franchise wants to use this clause, the player with the highest salary slot of USD 340,000 can get up to USD 110,000 more as a loyalty bonus.
It seems to go against the BBL, the BPL, the SA20, and the Super Smash.
Indeed. It will happen at the same time as four other T20 tournaments, which may be the busiest time of 2023. In January, New Zealand will go to India and England will go to South Africa, but the ILT20 has still been able to get some big names. The English player Dawid Malan and the Zimbabwean player Sikandar Raza will also cut their BPL stints short so they can play in the UAE league.
On Thursday, November 2, Virat Kohli achieved an accomplishment. He became the batsman to surpass 1000 runs in ODIs in 2023, following in the footsteps of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Not that,. He also joined Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Pathum Nissanka as the fourth players to achieve this impressive record in the 50-over format within the same year.
Stepping into History with 1000 Runs in ODIs
Entering the realm of history, Kohli’s unwavering determination and exceptional skills were put on display during his match in 2023. Notably, the cricket maestro, now 34 years old, made an indelible impact by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s record, securing the most number of years with 1000 runs in ODIs. Kohli’s consistent ability to perform at such an exceptional level has been a defining characteristic of his illustrious career, as he had previously achieved this monumental milestone in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019, before accomplishing it once again in the present year of 2023.
Sachin Tendulkar with god of cricket Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/zmztejNBBB
— Kevin (@imkevin149) November 2, 2023
An Unforgettable Journey
In an intense World Cup 2023 clash against Sri Lanka at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Virat Kohli’s pursuit of this historic milestone was realized with an impressive 34 runs. Despite facing challenges, including a rare duck against England at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, his overall performance throughout the year has been nothing short of spectacular.
Kohli’s memorable journey was highlighted by an unbeaten century during India’s triumphant seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. Adding to his illustrious record, he solidified his stature with a brilliant 95 runs, making a significant contribution to India’s thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand led by Tom Latham at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Pune.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, on Tuesday, October 31, achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the third fastest bowler to secure 100 wickets in ODIs. His outstanding performance during Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh at the renowned Eden Gardens in Kolkata led to this historic accomplishment.
A Landmark Moment
In the thrilling encounter, Shaheen clinched his 100th wicket in only his 51st match, dismissing Tigers’ opening batter Tanzid Hasan Tamim. The left-arm fast bowler displayed exceptional skill as he struck Tamim on the pads, prompting the on-field umpire to raise his finger. Despite Tamim’s referral to the third umpire using the Decision Review System (DRS), the replays confirmed the ball crashing into the stumps, upholding the on-field decision. Bangladesh lost their first wicket with the scoreboard reading 0 in just 0.5 overs.
Shaheen Afridi soars high yet again with another feat to his name 🦅#CWC23 | #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/IlQQ6P5xYK
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 31, 2023
Surpassing Preceding Records
Shaheen Shah Afridi not only secured this feat in record time but also outshone the accomplishments of esteemed bowlers preceding him. He surpassed the record of the fastest pacer, previously held by Mitchell Starc, who attained the milestone in August 2016 during an ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Legacy of Excellence
Moreover, Shaheen shattered the long-standing record held by Saqlain Mushtaq, becoming the fastest Pakistani bowler to claim 100 wickets in ODIs. Saqlain had set this record on May 12, 1997, during an ODI against Sri Lanka in Gwalior. It is notable that among the Pakistani fast bowlers, the accomplished Shaheen Shah Afridi follows in the footsteps of the legendary Waqar Younis, who achieved the 100-wicket mark back in February 1993 against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.
Beyond ODIs
Demonstrating his prowess beyond ODIs, Shaheen has made significant contributions in Tests and T20Is as well. Since his debut in 2018, he has garnered 105 wickets in Tests and 64 wickets in T20Is. His exceptional journey began with a strong performance in the U19 World Cup in New Zealand. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Lahore Qalandars’ consecutive victories in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
A Testament to Talent and Dedication
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s rapid rise to 100 ODI wickets within 51 matches underlines his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. As he continues to leave an indelible mark on the cricketing world, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide. With his remarkable achievements, Afridi has solidified his place in the annals of cricket history, etching his name as one of Pakistan’s most formidable and promising fast bowlers.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has recently expressed admiration for India’s dominant performance in the ongoing 2023 ICC World Cup. With India securing victories in all six matches, Akhtar highlighted the team’s exceptional display across various aspects of the game. Although the recent batting performance against England in Lucknow was relatively modest, India’s fierce bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, proved instrumental in securing a remarkable win. This triumph not only solidified India’s leading position on the points table but also exacerbated England’s struggles in the tournament, leaving them virtually eliminated.
India’s Remarkable Bowling Transformation
In his analysis, Akhtar emphasized the transformative impact of Shami’s inclusion in India’s playing eleven following Hardik Pandya’s injury. Acknowledging Shami’s outstanding performances against New Zealand and England, Akhtar credited India’s ability to win matches through their bowling prowess, showcasing a shift from their traditional reliance on batting strength. He commended the collective effort of the Indian bowling unit, particularly recognizing the strategic brilliance of fast bowler Bumrah.
India’s Path to World Cup Glory
Looking ahead, Akhtar voiced his confidence in India’s potential to secure their third ODI World Cup trophy, highlighting the team’s upcoming matches against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the Netherlands. Expressing optimism, he emphasized the significance of maintaining their unbeaten streak en route to the final, setting the stage for a potential historic ICC World Cup victory. However, Akhtar cautioned against compromising the successful bowling unit once Pandya returns to full fitness, warning against the potential detriment of a partially fit Pandya’s inclusion at the expense of a bowler.
Akhtar’s Praise for India and its Response to Criticism
Addressing skepticism surrounding his praise for the Indian team, Akhtar reiterated the exceptional nature of India’s performance, particularly in their ability to defend a modest total with a significant margin of victory. Undeterred by criticism, Akhtar reaffirmed his admiration for India’s exceptional cricketing prowess, urging acknowledgment and appreciation of their commendable achievements.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Perspective on Virat Kohli
Shifting focus, Akhtar’s history of praise extends beyond team performances to individual players, notably including former Indian team captain Virat Kohli. Reminiscing on Kohli’s resilience during a challenging phase in his career, Akhtar highlighted the pivotal role played by Kohli’s consistent century-scoring performances, leading to India’s victories. Recognizing Kohli’s contribution to the team’s success, Akhtar emphasized the significance of Kohli’s monumental centuries during crucial chases, solidifying his status as a crucial asset for the Indian cricket team.
In a comparison between Kohli and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Akhtar acknowledged Tendulkar’s status as one of the greatest batsmen while highlighting the challenges Tendulkar faced as a captain. Drawing parallels, Akhtar expressed confidence in Kohli’s eventual resurgence, expecting him to return to his prolific scoring form once he finds his equilibrium.
In summary, Akhtar’s acknowledgment of India’s exceptional performance and his recognition of individual players’ contributions underscore the team’s formidable presence in the 2023 ICC World Cup, setting the stage for a potential historic triumph in the coming days.
1000 Runs in ODIs: Kohli’s Cricket Legacy
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Fastest to 100 ODI Wickets
ICC World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar says, ‘Mai India ki tareef kyu na karu’
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