DUBAI: As the DP World International League T20 gears up for its third edition, starting Jan. 11, 2025, cricket icons Virender Sehwag and Shoaib Akhtar praised the competition for developing the region’s talent and providing players with invaluable experience.
Sehwag, the explosive Indian batter, said the league has had a positive impact since its inception.
“When we look back at the past two seasons of the DP World ILT20, we can see that many players, whether they are from the UAE or other countries like Afghanistan, have significantly improved their performances in ICC (International Cricket Council) tournaments.”
He added: “For the UAE team, when players play alongside nine international stars, they get the chance to learn from these experienced players.
“Not only during matches but also in how the international players practice, prepare, and handle pressure situations. They won’t find this kind of exposure anywhere else.”
Sehwag also spoke about how his own experiences with global stars shaped his career.
“When I had the opportunity to play with stars like Glenn McGrath, AB de Villiers, and Tillakaratne Dilshan, it helped me tremendously as they shared their experiences with me,” he said.
“I went on to have very good seasons after that exposure. The DP World ILT20 is providing similar opportunities for cricketers from the UAE.”
Akhtar, known as “The Rawalpindi Express,” and who has been associated with the competition from season two, echoed Sehwag’s sentiments.
“As I’ve always said, it’s a breeding ground of talent for GCC countries, not just the UAE. It is only going to help cricket, and it is a great initiative. I am blessed to be part of it and help the game grow.”
“The effort being put in by DP World, the organizers, the broadcasters, and the Emirates Cricket Board is tremendous. They have made it easy to collaborate with them,” he said.
Akhtar added: “The DP ILT20 has created the magic of bringing together entertainment and cricket. In particular, they have brought a high quality of cricket to the region, which we have not seen since the India-Pakistan days in Sharjah.”
Season three of the DP ILT20 begins on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. The 34-match tournament will run for a month, with the final on Sunday, Feb. 9.
