Some of the most recognisable faces from cricket’s recent past were present in Dubai yesterday to announce the launch of a Twenty20 tournament. Former Australia player and organiser Dean Jones has called it “the greatest news cricket has ever heard in the UAE”.
What is it?
Six squads consisting of 15 retired international players will play in a round-robin Twenty20 tournament in the UAE, with two nominated “icon players” per side. The first running of the competition will be early next year, by which time the organisers hope to have persuaded the likes of Misbah-ul-Haq and Brett Lee to join.
Who will play?
Adam Gilchrist, Brian Lara, Wasim Akram and Jacques Kallis are all confirmed. Only retired international players are allowed to play, with franchises bidding for them at an Indian Premier League-style auction. Each player must have played a minimum of five times for his country, while each side is also obliged to pick up to two players from an associate nation, such as the UAE.
When is it?
The MCL will be staged over two weeks next February. The organisers want the franchise owners and sponsors to sign up to a long-term commitment, possibly for as long as 10 years.
Where will the matches be played?
The Emirates Cricket Board have sanctioned the competition, and all of their stadiums will be available for use. As such, the stars of yesteryear will be able to reprise their feats at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, as well as playing at Dubai Sports City and the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
What are they saying?
“It will just be lovely to come back,” said Lara, the former West Indies batsman. “It is a wonderful place to play cricket. I enjoyed my time here.” Gilchrist said the players will go all-out. “As players we have a professional integrity when we commit to something like this,” the former Australia wicketkeeper said. “You feel an obligation to do as well as you can.”
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