Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Thursday heaped praises on DP World ILT20 for helping cricket in UAE foster. Akhtar, the Brand Ambassador for the DP World ILT20 season 2, jokingly counted himself lucky to retire before the T20 boom, saying players like Chris Lynn ‘would have smacked’ him all over the park.
The second edition of the ILT20, the second most popular T20 league in the world, kicks off on January 19 as Sharjah Warriors host reigning champions Gulf Giants at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Ahead of the tournament opener, team captains and vice captains assembled at the Dubai International Stadium for a photo shoot with the trophy along with tournament’s brand ambassador Shoaib Akhtar.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Akhtar said, “They are all superstars. I am glad I was not born in this era. Players like Chris Lynn would have smacked me all over. Sunil Narine would have always got me out. Good luck to you all. I am sure you will be all rooting for your teams. This is the trophy to be won.”
Shoaib also hailed the ILT20 for putting UAE on world cricket’s roadmap.
“We saw UAE Under-19 team beating Pakistan Under-19 and this tournament has played a big role in showcasing young talent here,” Akhtar added.
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