UAE gives birth to newest T10 version

Cricket and its abridged version-Twenty20 - continues to spawn many different Leagues around the world but the latest format - T10 - could yet be a defining one in its evolution.

The T10 Cricket League, the UAE's own contribution could be a path-breaking one, and perhaps may stir a revolution.

The idea and dream of Shaji Ul Mulk is taking shape and the Christmas season will see a brand new format put in play, a format that may change the face of cricket.

The initial interest has been overwhelming with some of the biggest names in cricket endorsing the League. And with the Emirates Cricket Board's (ECB) blessing, it is good to go.

The tournament is also backed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also advised its member boards to allow its players to show their skills during the four-day competition.

The League's official launch was held at a glitzy ceremony with the red carpet rolled out for some of these cricket stars at the Dubai Ballroom of the JW Marriott Marquis on Tuesday night.

And these cricketers and those associated with the League were unequivocal in their view that this 10-overs-a-side, 90-minute games, will garner newer audiences.

"It is history in the making. It is a defining moment in the history of cricket," said Shaji Ul Mulk, looking content after seeing it come to fruition. The League has even attracted England's limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan, and that says something.

Morgan, along with former Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan are the team icons, while, former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara, Pakistan's Shahid Afridi and India's Virender Sehwag were unveiled as Brand Ambassadors.

Inzamam-ul-Haq was named the Brand Mentor. The entire tournament will be as swift as the format, lasting just four days from December 21 to 24 and at a venue steeped in history - the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The tournament consists of six franchises - Punjabi Legends, Pakhtoons, Maratha Arabians, Bangla Tigers, Colombo Lions, and Kerala Kings.

The final look of all squads will be firmed up on October 25 when around 120 players will go into a pool for a player draft to be held in Dubai.

Morgan was delighted to be a part of it. "I'm extremely excited by the tournament and I hope the tournament is a great success. With this format and this tournament, you will get an audience who don't normally watch cricket," said Morgan.

"If you look at the revolution of T20, if this really does take off, it makes it relevant to the modern day audience and this could be it," he added. Meanwhile, Misbah said: "It is a new concept and whoever brought this idea and made it happen, did a wonderful job. It is something new and good for the cricket fans and hopefully we will have a good season and many more."

His compatriot Shahid Afridi said: "I love this format and it is a great format. And it is a format especially if you want to introduce cricket to new people," said Afridi.

"It has felt like I ended my career early," joked Inzamam-ul-Haq, former Pakistan captain and chief selector. He added: "After T20 took a step, this is another big step. Fans will get to see some exciting cricket.

Source: Khaleej Times