By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: After sold-out seats at its inaugural edition in 2017, T10 Cricket League returns to the UAE with two new teams.
T10 Cricket League is the first internationally-approved league with a 10-over format that was launched by Chairman Shaji Ul Mulk, Founder of Mulk Holdings, and President Salman Iqbal, founder and CEO of ARY Digital Network.
T10 matches last year were held in a four-day tournament, but this year the excitement will continue for six more days as the matches will be spread out over a 10-day competition.
Speaking to the press, Chairman of T10 Cricket League Shaji Ul Mulk said that he was inspired by the energy of the players and crowd of the 2016 World Cup and wanted to bring the same energy to cricket.
“Our vision is to see T10 become an integral part of domestic and international cricket all over the world. We are discussing with various full member country boards to take T10 to these countries. On a domestic front, Ajman Cricket Council has just concluded two T10 cricket tournaments and feedback from the teams is very encouraging. T10 cricket is already proving to be a hit, seeing as two additional team owners have decided to invest in the league, which is just in its second year. We are excited to see how this revolutionary new format will change the game.”
Citing examples of cricketing legends Javed Miandad, Imran Khan and Wasim Akram, President of the league Salman Iqbal said that cricketing stars in the subcontinent are born out of street cricket, which has a 10-over format.
“T10 Cricket League appeals to the fast-paced life we live today. Basketball and football – both immensely popular with youth – are 90-minute games. With T10, cricket will also be an energy-packed 90 minutes. We faced challenges when we first launched as players were hesitant to sign on after the last private cricket venture to be staged in the UAE, the Masters Champions League. However, in just one year, T10 has proven itself and you can already see the interest grow with two new teams on board this year. If the interest continues to grow at this rate, we might even take cricket to the Olympics.”
The two new teams this year are Karachians and Northern Warriors. Team Sri Lanka from last year, owned by Vijay Viyas and Kashif Shehzad, has been rebranded as Team Rajasthani Heroes.
In the subcontinent, where cricket is in the blood of every citizen, Viyas and Shehzad say, “We the Rajasthani Heroes are playing for peace and love through a religion called ‘cricket’.”
Karachians is owned by Muhammad Imran Amin, Muhammad Ali Ahmed and Mohsin Imran. Referring to Karachi, Mohsin Imran said, “The city of lights is ready to battle its way into the T10 Cricket League.”
Northern Warriors, owned by Shahbaz Ilyas, Mohammed Morani and Lucky Morani say they are excited to see the league grow. “I was part of the league last year and it went well. This year, they’ve added two new teams and we the Northern Warriors are very happy to be one of the new teams. We look forward to a bigger and more happening league this year,” said Mohammed Morani, founder of Morelli Sports.
In addition to the two new teams, returning team Kerala Kings has announced its new co-owner, Ali Asfak.
The action-packed T10 Cricket League is set to begin in November, where eight teams will compete in exciting 10-over matches. The teams are Kerala Kings, Maratha Arabians, Pakhtoon Team, Punjabi Legends, Bengal Tigers, Northern Warriors, Rajasthani Heroes and Karachians.
