For cricket fans in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy is one not to miss with Chris Gayle and Albie Morkel just some of the stars to take to the field later this year.
From October 4 to 6, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium will be the venue for the inaugural competition where some of the top franchises in T20 cricket are set to battle for glory.
Yorkshire Vikings of England, Afghanistan’s Boost Defenders, Big Bash League’s Hobart Hurricanes, Pakistan Super League’s Lahore Qalandars and South Africa’s most successful T20 outfit Multiply Titans have all been confirmed so far. Organisers Abu Dhabi Cricket in partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council will announce the sixth and final team at a later date with them promising it will be the ‘same calibre’ of players.
That list includes Gayle, who is set to feature for The Boost Defenders, while Pakistan’s Yasir Shah is part of the Qalandars’ squad. South African veteran Morkel will be leading the Titans while England pace ace Tymal Mills will don Hobart Hurricanes’ shirt.
Tickets and hospitality packages are now available, with general admission tickets starting from just Dh25. These can be purchased through Ticketmaster.ae, Virgin Megastores and the Zayed Cricket Stadium box office.
Matt Boucher, acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket, believes it’s an opportunity not to miss. “It will be a fantastic family event where there will be double-headers for each of the days,” he said. “It’s a new start for cricket in Abu Dhabi and is a fantastic offering. There will be high quality cricket and hope the community comes out and support us.
Heading to Abu Dhabi: Chris Gayle
“Given the considerable number of sub continental, British, South African, and Australian residents in Abu Dhabi, the wider UAE and Gulf region, we are confident of packing the increased 24,000 capacity of the iconic Zayed Cricket Stadium.”
He added: “We’re looking forward to delivering a wonderful experience for our fans at the stadium but the tournament will certainly not be contained to the stands. We expect millions around the world to follow the action on TV, radio and social media – again, cementing Abu Dhabi’s position on the international cricket scene.”
What: Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy
Where: Sheikh Zayed Stadium
When: October 4 to 6
Contact: For more information, visit www.abudhabicricket.com.
