ILT20: Dubai Capitals sign Yusuf Pathan ahead of inaugural season

Former Indian-all rounder and hard-hitting batter Yusuf Pathan has been roped in by the Dubai Capitals for the inaugural edition of the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20). Yusuf Pathan delivered some eye-catching performances in the recently culminated Road Safety World Series 2022 and the second edition of the Legends League Cricket. 

Dubai Capitals, which is the sister franchise of IPL side Delhi Capitals had made some notable signings like Rovman Powell (West Indies), Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka), Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan) among others. 

The signing might come as a surprise to many people since Yusuf has retired from all forms of cricket in 2021. But the power-hitter's exploits in the RSWS and the LLC have made the Capitals owner turn their heads towards the veteran campaigner. 

Yusuf made his debut for the Indian team in the historic T20 World Cup Final of 2007 against arch-rivals Pakistan and went on to feature for the Men in Blue on 22 occasions in the shortest format of the game.

But it was the inaugural edition of the IPL which saw the world take note of the world-class batter. Although he wasn't as prolific on the international stage as he was in the IPL, he made a name for himself by virtue his impactful cameos. His strike rate of 139.34 in T20 matches is a testament to his abilities. 

Notably, the competition is set to commence in January 2023 and has received multi-year ICC approval. It will be played in a 34-match format across UAE’s world-class cricket facilities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, and will be broadcast live on ZEE’s TV channels. It's digital streaming platform ZEE5 will stream the matches online.

The league has got the backing from several corners, including former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, who was all praise for the upcoming tournament.

“It’s a big step for UAE cricket to have their own league. The country has hosted three IPLs and it knows how to organize leagues. Big congratulations to UAE cricket and the ILT20 is going to be a great one as all the top players are going to be participating."