DUBAI: UAE players are sharing the same roof with cricket legends from around the globe at the ILT20. The tournament has significantly helped UAE cricketers elevate their game, offering them the opportunity to share the dressing room with players who have proven their mettle on the biggest stages.
Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull believes the ILT20 provides local players with invaluable experience, allowing them to spend four to five weeks alongside seasoned international professionals and top-tier coaches.
This exposure, according to Doull, is instrumental in shaping the future of UAE cricket.
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Doull, who represented New Zealand in 32 Tests and 42 ODIs between 1992 and 2000, returns to the commentary panel for the third consecutive season of the ILT20.
The commentary team for ILT20 Season 3 boasts an impressive lineup of cricket icons, including Ian Smith, Ian Bishop, Simon Doull, Virender Sehwag, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Harbhajan Singh, Niall O’Brien, and Alan Wilkins. Adding further depth and diversity are Anjum Chopra, Saba Karim, Rohan Gavaskar, Nikhil Chopra, Daren Ganga, Urooj Mumtaz, Vivek Razdan, Reema Malhotra, and Ajay Mehra.
“From Season 1, you’re never quite sure what to expect, but all the teams have improved year after year. Last season was fantastic, both from an international and local perspective. Every season, the local players get the invaluable experience of spending four to five weeks in the dressing room with senior players from around the world – highly experienced professionals and top-quality coaches,” Doull said.
“This exposure naturally helps improve cricket in the region. In the future, I’d love to see three local players in the playing XI, but for that to happen, the talent needs time to develop. And to develop, local players need consistent opportunities to learn alongside international stars. Progress is happening, but it won’t come overnight – like when you dye your hair, it doesn’t turn black immediately,” he said.
“I’m just looking forward to some great games. Sometimes, a low-scoring thriller can be even more exciting than a match with 200-plus scores. With the quality and balance across all the teams, we’ll see a lot of changes as the tournament progresses – injuries, player replacements, and some players joining later after finishing other commitments
“What’s also fascinating is how the different venues, even though they’re just an hour and a half apart, each offer unique challenges. The surfaces play differently – you might need high-quality seamers here, more seam options in Abu Dhabi, and perhaps world-class spinners when you’re in Sharjah.
“The development of teams and the strategic use of impact players will be crucial once again. It’s shaping up to be another thrilling season,” he said.
