Cricket franchise leagues provide growing competition as DP World ILT20 set to start in UAE

Cricket franchise leagues provide growing competition as DP World ILT20 set to start in UAE
UAE's DP World International League T20 (ILT20) Cricket Trophy is pictured at the Vibrant Gujarat Trade Show in Gandhinagar on January 11, 2024 (AFP)
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Updated 18 January 2024
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Cricket franchise leagues provide growing competition as DP World ILT20 set to start in UAE

Cricket franchise leagues provide growing competition as DP World ILT20 set to start in UAE
  • SA20, ILT20 seeking to enhance product offers in 2024 after successful first seasons

Hard on the heels of the first matches in cricket’s SA20, the DP World ILT20 (International League Twenty20) will open on Jan. 19 in Dubai. Both tournaments are showcasing their second editions, and both regarded their first editions as successful.

SA20 was rewarded with the purchase of three-quarters of tickets across all fixtures and seven sold-out matches, including the final.

That was not the case for ILT20, but it boasted live viewing figures of more than 200 million on ZEE’s linear and digital platforms. It was also broadcast on CricLife throughout the UAE and the Middle East and North Africa region.

SA20 is shown by Viacom18 to Indian viewers, a critical market for the tournaments.

Both SA20 and ILT20 are seeking to enhance their product offer in 2024. The commissioner of SA20 has expressed the view that, “the teams look much stronger than in season one.” That has been mainly because of Cricket South Africa’s decision to mandate leading national and provincial players to play in SA20 over any other competition, including national representation. Almost 70 percent of players are South African, and 20 percent are British, with the balance coming from six other countries.

There is an added aspect in that the T20 World Cup is only five months away. Hence, SA20 is a potential selection proving ground for both developing and established talent in front of large, enthusiastic crowds.

There was an overriding financial imperative for CSA behind the creation of SA20, as detailed in last week’s column. A report commissioned by SA20 has pointed to its wider impact on both the national and local economies. The franchises have a developmental remit to nurture young cricketers within their hinterlands. That is also a strong feature of ILT20.

The strategy of the Emirates Cricket Board from the outset was to build a sustainable model for UAE cricket, both developmental and financial. A core feature has been the mandate that each squad must include four UAE players, of whom two must be in the playing 11. The fact that nine were overseas players caused concern in other franchises, who tend to have a limit of four overseas players.

The ECB does not have a strength of playing resource to achieve that ratio. What it seeks to attract is high-quality players and create an environment in which domestic players will learn.

Recent performances by the UAE’s men’s team at both senior and under-19 levels have already begun to reap the rewards of the policy. Although beaten in the final of the U-19 Asia men’s one-day international cup by Bangladesh, reaching that peak ahead of both India and Pakistan spoke volumes for the learning which the players will have received by association with experienced international players during ILT20.

At senior level, last November, the UAE almost reached the T20 World Cup final, suffering a semi-final defeat by Nepal in the Asia regional qualifying competition.

One gratifying feature for the ECB to set against that disappointment was that the ILT20 was awarded List A status in December by the International Cricket Council. That means that the tournament is recognized as an official T20 one and that all tournament statistics will be recognized as official.

That is good news for the players and should provide the basis for continuing to attract those of high caliber. It is the first associate member league to receive such status.

In 2023, apart from the 24 UAE players, it was England and the West Indies who provided most players for ILT20. It is the same in 2024, with English players accounting for one-third of the non-UAE players, West Indians 20 percent, and Sri Lankans 10 percent. A further 10 percent are from associate-member countries, something that the ECB has been keen to promote. There will be a five-strong Pakistani contingent, four contracted to the only non-Indian-owned franchise, the Desert Vipers. The Dubai Capitals have a small contingent of Australians, including David Warner as captain.

There will be movement in and out of squads according to other demands on players.

Seven players in teams that reached the finals stage of Australia’s Big Bash League left to fulfil their ILT20 conditions. The Pakistani players in ILT20 will join late because of national commitments in New Zealand, while the Pakistan Super League will open on the same day as the ILT20 final. Most Sri Lankan players are on national duty in Zimbabwe. All this churn can be disruptive, breaking the balance and rhythm of teams.

As an example, the possible loss to last year’s runners-up, the Desert Vipers, of four Pakistanis for the final stages carries high risk. The Viper’s strategy is different from the other franchises.

First, it is owned by Americans, the Glazer family, 75 percent owners of Manchester United. Secondly, it has placed sustainability at the heart of its operations, aiming to cut emissions to 50 percent by 2030 and net zero by 2040. Thirdly, it has signed Pakistanis.

In a point of differentiation by ILT20 for 2024, each team has the option to substitute one player at any stage of the match after the completion of the first over of the innings. Once substituted, a player cannot participate in the remaining part of the match. This provides a tactical tweak for captains and coaches.

Penalties for slow over rates have also been introduced. Another new development allows each franchise to pick two wildcard players, who can be brought in at any time during the tournament.

Not only does this add to the competition for places within franchise teams, but it also increases competition for players between leagues. This is likely to intensify in future as they vie for position.

One aspect of that is the salary cap. The BBL had a 50 percent increase this season to $2 million, just shy of SA20’s $2.09 million, whereas ILT20 can spend $2.75 million.

Unless some compromises on dates are found, market forces will hold sway and the level of churn currently evident may well be exacerbated in future.


Carsley loses eight and calls up five for last England squad

Carsley loses eight and calls up five for last England squad
Updated 9 sec ago
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Carsley loses eight and calls up five for last England squad

Carsley loses eight and calls up five for last England squad

LONDON: England interim manager Lee Carsley gave a first senior call-up to Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers as one of five additions to his last squad on Monday after eight players pulled out.
The team faces Greece in Athens on Thursday before hosting Ireland three days later. Both games are in the Nations League.
Seven of the players to drop out came from the top four clubs in the Premier League: Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer of Chelsea; Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka; Manchester City midfielders Phil Foden and Jack Grealish and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. The eighth withdrawal was Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Rogers was promoted from the Under-21 squad alongside Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, Newcastle’s Tino Livramento and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. Of the quartet only center-back Branthwaite has a senior England cap.
West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, who has 12 senior caps, was also added to the squad.
Carsley will return to his role as Under-21 manager after Nations League games, with Thomas Tuchel starting as the new boss in January.
Defeat in Athens would end England’s chances of automatic promotion from the second tier of the Nations League.
Tuchel has signed an 18-month deal that begins on January 1, so will only be an interested observer during this month’s games.
England squad
Goalkeepers
: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford
Defenders: Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Ezri Konsa, Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker, Jarrad Branthwaite, Tino Livramento
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Curtis Jones, Morgan Rogers
Forwards: Anthony Gordon, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Dominic Solanke, Ollie Watkins, Jarrod Bowen


Neymar backs Saudi Arabia’s ambitious 2034 FIFA World Cup bid

Neymar backs Saudi Arabia’s ambitious 2034 FIFA World Cup bid
Updated 11 November 2024
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Neymar backs Saudi Arabia’s ambitious 2034 FIFA World Cup bid

Neymar backs Saudi Arabia’s ambitious 2034 FIFA World Cup bid
  • Brazilian superstar tours bid exhibition with Hammad Albalawi, the head of the bid unit, and describes it as ‘best project I’ve ever seen’
  • Exhibition showcases proposed host cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Abha and NEOM — and features interactive displays of the planned 15 stadiums

RIYADH: Brazilian footballer Neymar on Monday expressed his full support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and said that he believes it has the potential to be the best tournament yet.

After touring the Saudi 2034 bid exhibition with Hammad Albalawi, the head of the bid unit, Neymar described it as “the best project I’ve ever seen” for players and fans alike.

The exhibition showcases the proposed host cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Abha and NEOM — and includes interactive displays of the 15 stadiums envisioned for the event.

Saudi Arabia is bidding to be the sole host of a 48-team World Cup tournament. It aims to leverage its geographic advantage, given that 60 percent of the world’s population live within an eight-hour flight of the Kingdom.

Neymar was particularly impressed by the focus of the Saudi bid on the needs of the players, saying: “They’re thinking about the players … making it easier to get from the game to the hotel and recover faster.”

The 32-year-old Brazilian, who has lived in Riyadh since signing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in August 2023, praised the passion for football in the Kingdom and the warm welcome he and his family received. Despite an injury that limited his playing time so far, he noted the enthusiastic support among local fans.

The rapid growth in the development of football in Saudi Arabia in recent years has included an expansion in the number of youth-training centers to 23, support for more than 300,000 boys and girls in school leagues, and an increase in the number of registered football coaches from 700 in 2019 to more than 4,000.

Neymar said he believes this investment in the future of Saudi football will pay off, adding: “They will definitely be more competitive in 2034.”

He also acknowledged the influence he and other international soccer superstars who have relocated to the Kingdom, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, are having on the nation’s football scene.

“We want to influence all the kids and the youth to do the right things, and to bring joy to everyone with our football,” he said.

Saudi Arabia submitted its official bid for the 2034 World Cup, which has the theme “Growing. Together,” in July. A decision on the host is due to be made on Dec. 11 during a FIFA Congress.


Netflix drops new trailer for ‘Saudi Pro League: Kickoff’ documentary

Netflix drops new trailer for ‘Saudi Pro League: Kickoff’ documentary
Updated 11 November 2024
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Netflix drops new trailer for ‘Saudi Pro League: Kickoff’ documentary

Netflix drops new trailer for ‘Saudi Pro League: Kickoff’ documentary
  • The highly anticipated six-episode series takes viewers into the heart of Saudi Arabia’s football scene

LONDON: Netflix unveiled on Monday a new trailer for its upcoming sports documentary series “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” set to premiere on Nov. 21.

The highly anticipated six-episode series takes viewers into the heart of Saudi Arabia’s football scene, chronicling the 48th season of the competition, which was marked by star-studded signings and the country’s ambitious vision to elevate the league’s global standing.

Produced by Whisper, the series offers an inside look at five major clubs — Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ettifaq — as they compete for the championship and delves into the highs and lows of the season, capturing the triumphs and challenges that defined their campaigns.

The documentary promises to explore critical questions about the league’s trajectory: Can its substantial investments bring long-term success? How do international stars adapt to the culture, and how do local players respond to the increased competition?

Fans will get a front-row seat to Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of victory with Al-Nassr, Karim Benzema’s journey at Al-Ittihad, and the resilience of Al-Hilal as they navigated Neymar’s injury and its impact.

The series also highlights Steven Gerrard’s efforts to revive Al-Ettifaq and Matthias Jaissle’s leadership at Al-Ahli, who aimed for Asian Champions League qualification after their return from relegation.

Beyond the marquee names, the documentary showcases emerging local talents like Salem Al-Dawsari, Feras Al-Buraikan, Talal Haji, and Abdulrahman Ghareeb, spotlighting their determination to shine amid the arrival of international football legends.


Pakistan goes undefeated to claim inaugural Baseball United Arab Classic Championship

Pakistan goes undefeated to claim inaugural Baseball United Arab Classic Championship
Updated 11 November 2024
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Pakistan goes undefeated to claim inaugural Baseball United Arab Classic Championship

Pakistan goes undefeated to claim inaugural Baseball United Arab Classic Championship
  • Pakistan finish tournament with 6 wins and no losses

DUBAI: Pakistan took home the trophy at the first-ever Baseball United Arab Classic international baseball tournament, which concluded Sunday night after four straight days of gameplay.

Pakistan was dominant the entire tournament, outscoring its opponents by a total of 57 runs, including a 12-1 victory over the UAE in the championship game.

The tournament, in which nine nations from the Gulf Cooperation Council and subcontinent participated, featured 21 games played at the new Baseball United Ballpark at The Sevens in Dubai.

The UAE, playing in its first international baseball tournament in the nation’s history, was a surprise finalist, beating Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals and then topping a highly ranked Palestine team in the semifinals to advance to the championship.

The UAE finished the tournament with five wins and two losses, with both defeats coming to Pakistan.

“This was the largest and most competitive baseball tournament in the history of the region, and the Pakistan team showed they are not only one of Asia’s top teams, but they are on the path to compete with the best baseball-playing nations in the world,” Kash Shaikh, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Baseball United, said in a statement.


Turkiye football club chief jailed over attack on ref

Turkiye football club chief jailed over attack on ref
Updated 11 November 2024
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Turkiye football club chief jailed over attack on ref

Turkiye football club chief jailed over attack on ref
  • Incident occurred in December 2023 following a 1-1 draw between Ankara’s MKA Ankaragucu and visiting Caykur Rizespor in Turkiye’s top flight

ANKARA: A former football chief in Turkiye’s Super Lig was sentenced to more than three years in prison Monday over an on-pitch attack on a referee, the Anadolu news agency reported.
The incident occurred in December 2023 following a 1-1 draw between Ankara’s MKA Ankaragucu and visiting Caykur Rizespor in Turkiye’s top flight.
Footage from the scene showed Ankaragucu’s then president Faruk Koca rushing onto the pitch and punching referee Halil Umut Meler after he blew the final whistle, shouting: “I’m going to kill you!“
He appeared to be incensed over the ref’s decision to send off one of his players, and disallowing an earlier goal by Ankaragucu. Caykur had scored an equalizer in injury time.
Denouncing the attack as “despicable,” the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended Super Lig matches for eight days and initiated criminal proceedings against Koca and several others.
Several days later, Koca apologized and resigned as club president but insisted his team had been cheated by the referee.
The court on Monday handed him three years and seven months for “intentional injury to a public sports official” as well as six months and 20 days for “making threats.”
It also handed him a five-month suspended sentence for “violating the law on violence prevention in sports.”
During the incident, the referee — who fell to the ground after being punched — was also kicked several times by other club officials, leaving him with a head trauma.
The court also handed prison sentences to three other officials for causing, or trying to cause, “intentional injury” to a public sports official, with sentences ranging from one to five years behind bars.
The incident provoked uproar in Turkiye and a flurry of condemnation, including from FIFA, football’s world governing body.