ABU DHABI, UAE: Abu Dhabi T10 held a live team draw and schedule reveal that saw four newcomers – Bangla Tigers, Deccan Gladiators, Delhi Bulls and Karnataka Tuskers – all drawn into the same Group A, while last year’s champions, Northern Warriors, are joined in Group B by Maratha Arabians, Qalandars and the yet to be announced Team 8.
After a ceremony to introduce each of the teams, team owners took turns revealing their group selections from randomly chosen tokens.
Chairman of Abu Dhabi T10, Shaji Ul Mulk, stood on behalf of Team 8 but would not reveal the league’s final member. He said: “I am happy with the successful draw; now the teams know who and when they are playing and can begin to devise their competitive strategies. As for Team 8, that’s just one of the big announcements we have in store over the next few weeks as we look forward to our ticket launch on 10th October and the player draft on 16th October.”
Team owners have now set their sights on the strategic considerations for next week’s official player draft, set for 16th October.
Pakistani legend Shahid Afridi and ICC Cricket World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan headline a line-up of international cricketers (some retired) set to take the field at Zayed Cricket Stadium on 15th November. Among the other notable big names confirmed for the event are big-hitting Australians Shane Watson and Chris Lynn, West Indians Andre Russell, Darren Sammy and Sunil Narine, Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi and Sri Lankan slinger Lasith Malinga.
Matthew Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket, said: “We have worked hard with our partners, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, to bring the Abu Dhabi T10 to local and global fans who simply love the exhilaration and unique format of this game. There is huge anticipation for the tournament being hosted in Abu Dhabi and we can’t wait to welcome both players and fans next month. It’s going to be an amazing experience for everyone and will be another showcase of world-class cricket in our city.”
Team Grouping
Group A
Bangla Tigers
Deccan Gladiators
Delhi Bulls
Group B
Northern Warriors
Maratha Arabians
Qalandars
