Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar have been named the ambassadors of the International League T20 ahead of its fifth edition.
The legendary cricketers from Australia and Pakistan came together for the launch ceremony of the fifth ILT20 season in Dubai on September 9. The upcoming season is scheduled to run from November 22 to December 20 this year, with the final to be played at the Dubai International Stadium. Six teams will compete for the title over the course of 34 matches.
The ILT20 auction has been scheduled for October 1, but teams have already made some pre-auction signings. The likes of Finn Allen (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen (both Gulf Giants) are set to feature in the ILT20 for the first time. Desert Vipers are the defending champions, having defeated MI Emirates in last season's final to win their maiden title.
“I'm delighted to be joining the DP World ILT20 as a tournament ambassador,” Lee said at the launch ceremony. “I have been following the league for a while, and it has created a fantastic platform for international stars and emerging talent to come together in the UAE. I'm looking forward to being part of Season 5, meeting the fans and helping build the excitement around another great season of T20 cricket.”
Akhtar, who has officially delivered the fastest ball in international cricket history (161.3 kph), was pleased to join Lee as the ILT20 ambassador.
“I've enjoyed being part of the league in the previous seasons and have seen how it has continued to develop and attract some of the biggest names in the game,” he said. “It's a pleasure to return to the DP World ILT20 as a tournament ambassador. It is great to see how much the UAE cricketers have improved each season, particularly the fast bowlers. Brett and I have shared many battles on the field, so it's great to be associated with the league together, and I'm looking forward to making more memories with him and inspiring the current and upcoming generation of UAE and Gulf cricketers.”
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