The Inaugural edition of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE is set to start on January 13 in Dubai. Therefore franchises have initiated preparation mode before the six-team tournament begins.
The six-team tournament is expected to feature 34 matches, with each side playing the others twice before four playoff matches. Featuring Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriors.
Ahead of the inaugural edition of the ILT20 in the UAE, former India opener Virender Sehwag believes West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran is a dangerous player and if he comes in the form, then his team MI Emirates stands to benefit hugely.
Pooran’s form has been a huge point of concern, amassing just 94 runs in his last 10 innings in T20Is.
“Nicholas Pooran is a dangerous player. While his performance in the ICC men’s T20 World Cup was not up to the mark, he is a brilliant player. In the recent Abu Dhabi T10 innings, he scored 70-80 runs in mere 20-25 balls. If he comes in the form, it will definitely benefit MI Emirates.”
“And it is certainly good news that both all-rounders like Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Brave who bat in the middle order are now playing in one team. It will definitely be a boost for MI because both are match-winners,” Sehwag was quoted as saying by Zee Network ahead of the ILT20 starting from January 13.
The tournament also had another big-hitting West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, who will be turning out for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
“Andre Russel’s ability to bat well is phenomenal and it will be great for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders if he comes up the order. If he gets enough balls to bat, then you don’t need anyone else to bat.”
“He will finish the game himself. We have witnessed it in the past that he has won matches in difficult situations. His bowling is always underestimated, but he bowls the best in death overs,” concluded Sehwag.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 mini-auction concluded after a record-breaking bidding day in Kochi, Former West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran was the sixth-highest buy in an IPL auction, the highest value for a West Indies player so far.