Former Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara and England’s Ian Bell will be among the stars in action during next month’s Emirates Airline T20 tournament in Dubai.
The pair will line up for the MCC on Friday, March 18 in the one-day competition which also features the UAE, Lancashire and defending champions Yorkshire at the Sevens Stadium.
Although the rest of the MCC squad is yet to be announced, five-time Ashes winner Bell will captain the team. Ex Sri-Lanka skipper Sangakkara will make his second appearance for the MCC having played in the 2005 Tsunami Relief Fund match at Lord’s.
Their first task is to overcome Yorkshire in their semi-final with the latter tasting victory in last year’s edition courtesy of a 74-run win against Sussex.
The winners of that showdown will face either the UAE or English T20 domestic champions Lancashire for the championship trophy. With a strong field, Yorkshire captain Alex Lees expects a stern challenge.
“The initial names on the MCC squad list are very exciting and Lancashire and the UAE will be tough test. I’m looking forward to the challenges in Dubai on March 18,” said the 22-year-old all-rounder.
Now in its seventh edition, the Emirates Airline Twenty20 has gone from strength to strength. Besides watching the action, there is plenty of entertainment off the field including autograph sessions as well as a children’s play area.
Matthew Jackson, tournament director and managing director of Sport Arabia Worldwide Ltd, organisers of the event, said: “To have international stars such as Kumar Sangakkara and Ian Bell involved will make the tournament even more exciting and we are delighted they are going to be playing for the MCC.”
General entry costs Dh35, while it’s free admission for under-12s. Additionally, premium brunch tickets are also available, varying between Dh95 and Dh395.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.emiratest20.com.
