West Indies ODI and T20I Captain Nicholas Pooran is the new Icon Player for defending champions Deccan Gladiators ahead of season six of Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, the team announced on Saturday.
Pooran joins his West Indian teammates Andre Russell and Odean Smith for Season 6 to be held from November 23, 2022 to December 4, 2022
Pooran comes with extensive experience as a captain and more importantly as an attacking left-handed batter in shorter formats apart from experience behind the stumps.
“I am quite excited to be part of the Deccan Gladiators for the coming season. I am honoured to have been adjudged the Icon Player and would give my best to perform as per the trust the team management has shown and the expectation bestowed on me. Looking forward to a thrilling season as we prepare to fight with full enthusiasm and renewed spirit as a team,” said Pooran on the announcement.
When it comes to Abu Dhabi T10, Pooran has a renowned track record as he led the Northern Warriors side for their second title in 2020.
With a current strike rate of 130.77 in T20I, Pooran is adjudged as one of the most aggressive and power-hitting batsmen of current times.
Commenting on Nicholas Pooran’s inclusion as the Icon Player, Gaurav Grover, Owner of Deccan Gladiators said,
“We are delighted to welcome Nicholas Pooran to the growing Deccan Gladiators squad and to have him as our Icon Player for this season. His experience and skills as a match-winning all-rounder would help the team in planning the roadmap strategically. I’m sure the team would be inspired by him as we go ahead with full spirit for another exciting season. Looking forward to having a stronger bond with Pooran.”
The draft for the T10 formats which is over a 90-minute duration will be held on September 26, 2022.