Maratha Arabians will be without two of the key figures from last year’s title success when they bid to retain the Abu Dhabi T10 next month.
Andy Flower, who coached Maratha to the title in his first season in the format last year, has switched franchises to Delhi Bulls. He will replace Stephen Fleming, who was in charge of the Bulls for the past two seasons.
Flower will be followed to the Delhi franchise by Dwayne Bravo, who was captain for Maratha in 2019.
“This is an exciting new format that has been well accepted by the players and fans alike,” Flower, the former England coach, said.
“I had a great time in this tournament last year and I am looking to use that experience to help the Bulls achieve success.
“We have retained experienced as well as young players who will play a big role in this team’s fortunes.
“But the aim now is to look towards the main draft to secure our primary targets and create a dynamic squad to play under Bravo.”
Bravo’s fellow West Indian Evin Lewis is another new signing for the Bulls, while they have retained Sherfane Rutherford, Ali Khan, Mohammed Nabi, and Dushmantha Chameera from last season.
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Maratha Arabians' Chadwick Walton, right, and Chris Lynn celebrate winning the Abu Dhabi T10 final against Deccan Gladiators at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Maratha Arabians' Chadwick Walton hit an unbeaten fifty in the Abu Dhabi T10 final against Deccan Gladiators. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Maratha Arabians captain Dwayne Bravo celebrates the win over Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10 final. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
More than 20,000 fans turned up at the Zayed Cricket Stadium to watch the Abu Dhabi T10 final between Deccan Gladiators and Maratha Arabians. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Maratha Arabians' Lasith Malinga after taking the wicket of Gladiators' Mohammad Shahzad at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Arabians' Yuvraj Singh during the final against Deccan Gladiators in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Maratha Arabians' Chadwick Walton runs out Deccan Gladiators' Migael Pretorius in the Abu Dhabi T10 final on Sunday. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Maratha Arabians' Kasun Rajitha took the wicket of Deccan Gladiators' Kieron Pollard . Chris Whiteoak / The National -
It was a packed house at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Maratha Arabians' Dwayne Bravo celebrates the wicket of Deccan Gladiators' Dan Lawrence in the Abu Dhabi T10 final. Chris Whiteoak / The National
“While we thank Stephen Fleming for his contribution to the franchise, the time was right to change strategies and move in a new direction,” Neelesh Bhatnager, the Bulls owner, said.
“The years of expertise and the continued success of Andy Flower could make all the difference this year, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him on board.
“We have had some good players represent our franchise over the years, but we simply need to find the right rhythm, mix of skills sets, and player combinations to win games.”
Flower is expected to travel to Abu Dhabi this weekend to help with preparations for the draft.
The UAE player draft is expected to take place on December 21, with the one for international players happening two days later.
Lalchand Rajput, the Zimbabwe coach, will take over at Maratha after the departure of Flower.
The fourth season of the T10 league – and the second since its move from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi – will take place from January 28 to February 6.
