T10 cricket launched in Dubai. Shahid Afridi, Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle are among the big names

After the overwhelming response to T20 cricket, it is time for the cricket fans to witness T10 cricket, and that too involving their favorite cricketers. Shaji Ul Mulk, the UAE-based businessman, launched T10 cricket league in Dubai, which will see many big names. The official shortest format of the game ‘T20’ has attracted many viewers, and we have seen 6 world T20 tournaments thus far.

Apart from the scenes in the international arena, the domestic circuit has also been lighted up with the fast brand of cricket. The IPL, Big Bash, CPL, BPL and PSL are some of the names among others. The new format can make an instant impact and it will be worth watching how well things move from here on.

Big names ready to set the stage on fire

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who is well known for his ‘boom-boom’ big hits, was excited on knowing the initiative. “When I was told of the T10 league I jumped and said that ‘please I want to play this’,” said Afridi at the launch of the new league in Dubai on Tuesday (October 3)

The matches will take place in Sharhaj in December this year, the games will be played out over four days time, with each match lasting 90 minutes. “We all have played ten overs a side on the streets of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh but at a higher level this league will provide a better implementation of this,” said Mulk.

Kumar Sangakkara, Virender Sehwag and Shahid Afridi are the brand ambassadors, while Eoin Morgan, Shakib Al Hasan and Misbah-ul-Haq were named team icons. “We all remember the days when Twenty20 cricket was launched and it impacted the other formats of the game. If this new format takes off I am sure it will also have an impact on the other three forms of the game,” said Morgan.

Misbah, 43, is excited to return to cricket. “I am excited and this format gives a chance to the ageing players like me because it needs just ten overs of batting and another ten for fielding so for my age it’s sustainable,” he joked. Apart these big names, Chris Gayle too is likely to join the the league.