ILT20 development excites Simon Doull.

Dubai, January 24, 2024: The ILT20’s second season has begun, bringing with it lots of excitement and pyrotechnics. Simon Doull, a former cricket player for New Zealand and current commentator, is thrilled to be a part of the tournament’s star-studded commentary panel. Simon Doull sees a strong opportunity for the tournament to expand into one of the largest franchise leagues in the world and is full of praise for the work done to grow the league with increased involvement from the locals and schools.

In response to a question regarding his assessment of the tournament’s evolution from season 1 to season 2, the former pacer from New Zealand stated, “I think the growth has been great.” When compared to last year, the tournament has significantly increased in popularity this year. Not only have world-class players participated, but the community and schools have also been involved, encouraging youngsters to invite their parents to games.

“Players now know more about the locations. I’m really interested to watch how it’s progressed and how it will continue to grow to become the world’s second-largest event, after the one that everyone knows is the biggest.

Regarding the ILT20 clubs, he stated, “I believe the Gulf Giants have a really good side.” The majority of the players from the previous season are still with them. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, who kept most of their players and added a few more, have also had a strong start. All of the teams, in my opinion, have realized after their debut campaign that they must improve.

“As a result of increased exposure and bilateral competitions, the local players are also improving, raising the bar overall. Though I wouldn’t rule out any club, I would say the Gulf Giants are looking excellent after two games.

“I would say the Delhi Caps are contenders too because David Warner, I’m sure, will set the tournament ablaze for them,” he continued.

Although the Pakistani cricket players were absent from the first season, Simon Doull believes that their presence in the second season has improved the caliber of cricket played.

“I think it’s wonderful that we have some of the quality players from Pakistan here,” he stated. In the previous season, their effect was missed. They not only offer so much quality to the tournament, but they also receive a lot of support from Pakistani expats living in the UAE. I am eagerly anticipating the boys’ performance.

The 54-year-old, who played 32 Tests and 42 ODIs for New Zealand, thinks UAE cricket is going in the right direction. “The local players will only get stronger by participating in these types of competitions and interacting with these top-tier international and abroad players; it may take some time for UAE to be able to regularly perform well against the best international sides.

“At the moment, we have to have at least two local players, but I would love to see another local U21 player added starting in the next season, bringing the total to at least three locals. Maybe in a few years, we can add another local player after that. In this manner, if the competition grows to include eight teams, we might have 32 players of local descent in addition to the 24 we would have with six teams, he stated.

Regarding the ILT20’s standing in relation to T20 leagues worldwide, Doull remarked, “They aren’t too far away.” If they take on the stronger teams, I believe they can become more reliable. The past few years have been devoted to playing against lower-tier cricketing nations such as the Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia, Canada, and the USA.

“The United Arab Emirates will be able to witness the caliber of cricket and will find themselves winning more matches if they begin visiting nations such as Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, and so on and playing a few matches. T20 is the way to go, in my opinion. I believe that more teams will enhance their cricket if they come to play against the UAE here.