Former England international Owais Shah will line up for GMW Sharjah Royal Challengers (GSRC) when the third edition of Superstars T20 begins in Dubai on Friday.
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Regarded as the biggest T20 tournament in the UAE with Dh100,000 prize money up for grabs, the 36-year-old opening batsman, who has 94 international caps across all formats, will be available for the one-month event to be played at 7he Sevens.
With over 200 appearances having played in the IPL, Caribbean Premier League and in England, Shah has vast experience in the T20 format, and GSRC team manager Fahed Shaikh feels he will bring a lot on board.
Fastest fifties in #IPLT20: Yusuf Pathan 15, MS Dhoni/SK Raina 16, Adam Gilchrist/Chris Gayle 17, Robin Uthappa/Owais Shah/David Miller 19
— IndianPremierLeague (@BCCI_IPL_T20) March 31, 2015
“He has plenty of experience of playing in the IPL and has represented England at Test and ODI levels,” said Shaikh after the launch of Superstars T20 yesterday.
“He’s a good cricketer who can bring a lot to the team. He’s a great professional and has a lot of experience in the game especially.”
He added: “What’s more, it’s a good opportunity for the other players in our squad to learn from him. The players will get a boost with just him being in the team.
“Overall it’s good for the future of the UAE cricket as English players are willing to play in Superstars T20. It’s his first time in the UAE but he’s excited to play.”
Also lining up alongside Shah will be Pakistan international Umar Akmal and last year’s player of the tournament Shahzaib Hasan.
They will come up against some of the UAE’s national players with fast-bowler Mohammad Naveed, captain Mohammad Tauqir and spinner Nasir Aziz all set to play.
Among the 12 teams are United Real Group Emirati Warriors, a team of Emirati-born cricketers, while Hamdani Group Royal Rawalpindi Royals and Bassalis Jahnian Tigers will make the trip from Pakistan.
“We want to develop the level of cricket in the UAE and we are giving the opportunity for cricketers to play against the best. It’s the toughest tournament in the UAE to win,” said Rahul Dalwale, manager of Superstars T20.
