I watch Joe Root closely during training to see how he prepares: Dubai Capitals skipper Rovman Powell

Dubai, 10 January 2023: Cricket will take centre stage in the UAE when the GMR owned Dubai Capitals go up against the Abu Dhab Knight Riders in the opening match of the ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, 13 January 2023. 

Speaking ahead of the start of the competition, the Dubai Capitals Captain Rovman Powell said, "It's good to see that the UAE has an international T20 league. This will only help grow the sport of cricket in UAE. A lot of quality players are here and there should be some good cricket played during the course of the tournament."

Powell won the Caribbean Premier League and the Super50 Cup as Captain last year. When asked about his learnings as Skipper in both those competitions, the middle-order batter expressed, "One thing I have learned is that if I lead from the front, the rest of the team will naturally follow and that's what I will try to do at the Dubai Capitals. I will try to push our team in a particular direction."

The Dubai Capitals Captain also spoke about having Joe Root on their side, "It's very nice to have Joe on our side. We know the quality that he possesses. I have watched him closely in the last few days to see how he prepares for big competitions. It's also important for the youngsters to ask Joe questions about batting and about cricket in general."

I am going to put my best foot forward, says Powell

Powell added that he will certainly look to give his 100 percent during the competition, "I am going to put my best foot forward and try to get the best possible results. We are here to win and it would be good if we can leave the UAE as champions."

The Dubai Capitals will take on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the opening match of the tournament on 13 January 2023.