Former Pakistan captain and current DP World ILT20 commentator Shoaib Malik has declared the UAE-based T20 league a powerful symbol of cricket's rapidly expanding global footprint. He emphasized the growing influence of players from Associate Member nations and local UAE talents who are sharing the stage with world-renowned international stars.
ILT20's Unique Rule Fuels Global Opportunities
Speaking to the media, Malik highlighted the tournament's distinctive squad rule as a key driver of this change. The league allows each team to field up to nine overseas players in their playing eleven. According to Malik, this structure has been instrumental in creating valuable opportunities for cricketers from emerging nations and local UAE players. It lets them test their skills against top-tier competition and prove they can succeed.
"The performances of these players send a strong message about how fast the game is growing," Malik stated. He reflected on the recent past when elite cricket was confined to a handful of nations, contrasting it with today's landscape where the T20 World Cup features 20 teams, showcasing the sport's wider acceptance.
Strategic Inclusion of Gulf Region Players
The former all-rounder also applauded the league's conscious effort to broaden its regional impact. He pointed to a significant move at the recent DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, where every franchise picked one player each from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Malik described this initiative as a very positive step. He believes that actively involving talent from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the host nation, the UAE, is a robust signal for the future development of cricket in the entire Gulf region.
Praise for Standout UAE Bowling Talent
Malik, who amassed 11,867 runs and took 218 wickets in his international career, reserved special acclaim for UAE bowlers making a mark in the ongoing season. He specifically praised young Dubai Capitals spinner Haider Ali for his confidence and composure while bowling to established superstars.
"Haider's ability to stick to his plans, even when batters are well set, has been impressive," Malik noted. The spinner has taken eight wickets in eight matches with an excellent economy rate of 6.40 so far this season.
Malik also commended Desert Vipers pacer Khuzaima Tanveer, one of the leading wicket-takers with 13 scalps, and MI Emirates opener Muhammad Waseem for consistently delivering when given chances. He expressed hope that these players would carry their strong ILT20 form into major international tournaments for the UAE.
Malik's Personal Bond with the UAE
Reflecting on his own deep connection with the Emirates, Malik shared that the region holds special memories for him. He made his international debut in Sharjah, and after 2009, Pakistan played much of their home cricket in the UAE, enjoying considerable success during that period.
He also recalled participating in the 2021 T20 World Cup held in the UAE, where Pakistan reached the semi-finals. Malik concluded by saying the UAE is a place he always enjoys returning to and one he holds dear whenever he gets the opportunity to visit.
