Andre Russell and David Miller to star as Icon Players in inaugural UAE T20X

Sport360 staff 10:19 26/08/2018
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  • Big names are coming to the UAE.

    UAE T20X, the newly-launched T20 cricket league owned by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), have revealed white-ball legends Andre Russell and David Miller as the first of five Icon Players to sign up to play in the inaugural competition this December.

    The two all-rounders, South African Miller and big hitting Jamaican Russell, will each represent one of the five franchise teams during the tournament, which will run from December 19 to January 11 in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

    News of their participation comes shortly after the announcement of AB de Villiers as the global ambassador for UAE T20X, and builds upon the league’s commitment to recruit the most internationally diverse player make-up of all the franchise tournaments.

    Miller said: “I grew up in a country that is crazy about cricket and it meant there were a lot of opportunities to learn and develop as a player. What I love about UAE T20X is the legacy it aims to leave, not just in the UAE, but across the broader Middle East region, and around the world, especially amongst emerging and junior players from both ICC Test and Associate member countries.

    The aggressive left-handed middle-order batsman, who has played 109 ODI matches and chalked up 61 T20 caps, continued: “Not only will the league be an amazing spectacle for fans to watch, but it has the potential to inspire a new generation of players who will help grow the game across this region. It’s something I am passionate about and want to be involved in.”

    Power-hitter: David Miller.

    Russell, widely regarded as one of the biggest hitters of the cricket ball in the game today, added: “The UAE T20x has to be one of the most exciting and entertaining tournaments to launch in a long time. It’s got everything- a star studded line up of players and icons, amazing facilities in a progressive country and passionate fans who come from all over the world. I’m really looking forward to seeing it all come to life this December.”

    As an ICC Associate Member, the ECB has put the growth of the sport at its heart, and a key aim of UAE T20X is to not only generate new income streams that can be reinvested directly into the grassroots of the game, but to provide a platform where local and international emerging talent can develop through coaching and competition.

    Zayed Abbas, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Board Member and Official Spokesperson said: “Whilst development of emerging talent – both local and international – is at the heart of our vision for UAE T20X, we are still committed to attracting the very best players from across the cricketing world.

    “There are very few people who can match Russell’s big hitting prowess or Miller’s aggressive battling style, so having these two legends playing in the league will add a very exciting dimension for our fans.”

    Limited-overs star: Andre Russell.

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