Dubai [UAE], January 3 (ANI): India’s iconic off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and Pakistan’s famend quick bowler Shoaib Akhtar are set to return for the ILT20 Season 3. The cricketing icons will as soon as once more function event ambassadors for the area’s premier T20 spectacle that can happen between January 11 to February 9.
Harbhajan, a veteran of the sport with over 711 worldwide wickets throughout codecs in his illustrious 18-year profession, has been an integral a part of the ILT20 since its inception. Fondly known as the ‘Turbanator’ for his efficiency with the ball throughout his profession, the 44-year-old additionally featured within the eminent commentary panel throughout each seasons.
Shoaib Akhtar, famend for his blistering tempo, and revered as one of the crucial feared quick bowlers in cricket historical past joined the ILT20 for the second season of the competitors and can proceed in his position as ambassador. The ‘Rawalpindi Specific’ with a complete of 444 wickets for Pakistan throughout the Take a look at, ODI and T20 codecs will as soon as once more be part of his peer, Harbhajan Singh, within the commentary field as effectively.
ILT20 CEO David White: “We’re thrilled to welcome again Harbhajan Singh and Shoaib Akhtar for the DP World ILT20 Season 3, as their involvement continues so as to add immense worth to the league. Season 2 was an enormous success, with the extent of competitors and the standard of cricket on show exceeding all expectations. We’re wanting ahead to a good larger and higher event this 12 months. We’re assured this season will increase the bar additional and proceed to contribute to the rising status of UAE cricket on the worldwide stage.”ILT20 Ambassador, Harbhajan Singh: “Being a part of the DP World ILT20 has been an unimaginable expertise because the starting, and every season simply will get higher. Season 2 was a improbable showcase of top-notch T20 cricket, with the usual of competitors pushing the boundaries of what we anticipate from franchise cricket. What stands out for me is how the UAE’s cricketing expertise is constant to rise, and it is thrilling to see how this league is shaping the way forward for the sport right here. The ambiance throughout the January-February window, with the attractive climate and the excitement of New 12 months festivities, makes the DP World ILT20 much more particular for each gamers and followers. I am wanting ahead to seeing extra younger expertise shine this season and ship some memorable moments.”ILT20 Ambassador, Shoaib Akhtar: “It is at all times a pleasure to return to the UAE, a spot the place I’ve so many fond recollections from my taking part in days. Season 2 was an thrilling show of aggressive cricket, and I imagine the standard of cricket will solely enhance because the DP World ILT20 continues to develop. This event offers a platform to not solely showcase world-class expertise but additionally helps nurture the subsequent technology of gamers, which is so necessary for the way forward for UAE cricket. I am wanting ahead to a different thrilling season and might’t wait to see how the gamers rise to the problem this 12 months.”The ILT20 Season 3 will likely be launched with a grand opening ceremony which will likely be headlined by epic performances by Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde and Sonam Bajwa who’re set to captivate the spectators on the Dubai Worldwide Stadium on Saturday, 11 January 2025 with enthralling performances on their blockbuster songs. The ceremonywill start at 6:00pm native time.
Spectators will likely be allowed to enter the stadium from 4:00pm whereas followers can even tune in via the Zee Community and its syndication companions’ broadcast all over the world on linear and digital platforms.
The primary ball of the season will likely be delivered at 7:15pm native time with the defending champions MI Emirates taking over Dubai Capitals in a rematch of final 12 months’s grand finale.
Famend Bollywood producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani and Ridhima Pathak will emcee the opening ceremony.
The night gives a uncommon alternative of the perfect of Bollywood coming along with the perfect of T20 cricket on the magnificent DIS, also called The Ring of Hearth. Including to the joy, followers can take pleasure in a improbable supply of 4 tickets for simply AED 40, solely within the normal class.
The six ILT20 franchises have retained T20 superstars like Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Akeal Hossein (MI Emirates), Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz Wildcard Decide in Season 2) and Johnson Charles (Sharjah Warriorz).
England white-ball nice Jason Roy (Sharjah Warriorz) returns to the league after making two appearances for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders final season. The Sharjah Warriorz have been strengthened additional with the inclusion of New Zealand’s Tim Southee, who is ready to guide their marketing campaign in his debut season.
Former West Indies captain Jason Holder will seem for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, the all-rounder performed for the Dubai Capitals final season.
Moreover, Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants) and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates) are set to make their ILT20 debuts in Season 3.
The third season of the ILT20 will run from 11 January to 9 February 2025. (ANI)
