Former Indian international Salil Ankola hopes to showcase his talent on the competitive stage in the UAE after signing up for next year’s Masters Champions League.
The 47-year-old, who played 20 ODIs and one Test between 1989 and 1997, never got the chance to play Twenty20 matches during his nine-year career.
A big fan of the game, the former fast-bowler is keen to get back on the field and is hopeful he will be selected as one of the 90 ex-international players in the auction for the six-team event in February.
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So far, Pakistan’s Wasim Akram, West Indies’ Brian Lara, Australia’s Adam Gilchrist, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis and former UAE captain Khurram Khan have confirmed their participation in the event, which will played in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai.
“When I was playing we didn’t have the opportunity to play Twenty20 games,” said Ankola after conducting a coaching clinic run by G Force Academy in Dubai on Friday.
“But I love watching the games because they’re exciting to watch. I’ve always wanted to play this format with the best of the best and that is why I have signed up. All in all, it will be good fun to play with other former international players.”
He added: “I’d love to play against all the players and Wasim Akram is a good friend of mine, while I’ve also played against Jacques Kallis. It would be great to compete against them after many years.”
Ankola, who made his Test debut against Pakistan alongside Sachin Tendulkar in 1989, believes the MCL will provide thrilling games.
“It’s not going to be easy cricket at all,” he said. “Even though it’s named as the Masters Cricket League, it will be difficult because most of the players are still in touch with the game in some kind of capacity. It’s going to be tough cricket out there.”
Ankola also has no doubt the tournament will raise the game’s profile in the UAE. “If you are involving the legends of the game, the interest of the game will be at another level. You don’t get to see many good players compete in one tournament so I think it’s a good thing for the UAE.”
