ILT20 can only continue to grow in size: Waqar Younis Dubai, January 25, 2024: Legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis discussed the development of the ILT20, the success of the UAE squad, and the influence of well-known players in the competition while praising the league’s popularity in the Gulf.
Having taken 789 wickets in his international career, the former Pakistani bowler has been a part of the ILT20 since its start. He is included in the panel of commentators, which also includes Wasim Akram, Simon Doull, Virender Sehwag, Shoaib Akthar, and Harbhajan Singh, among other legendary players.
Speaking on his involvement in the league, he stated, “We were fortunate to be involved last year when the tournament was brand-new.” I had a terrific day, especially because the cricket was of a high caliber. I predict that the ILT20 will continue to grow. Although it’s early, I have little doubt that both the audiences and the quality of cricket will improve with each passing season.
The UAE National Cricket team has recently achieved a number of noteworthy feats, such as wins over Afghanistan and the U-19 World Cup victory over Pakistan.
“I believe tournaments like the ILT20 will undoubtedly inspire youngsters in the UAE to take up cricket,” Waqar Younis stated, emphasizing that these triumphs augur well for cricket in the area and the ILT20’s role in accelerating these successes. At the international level, we’re already seeing notable progress—strong sides are being defeated, which is always advantageous. I see that the competition is growing and that UAE cricket will gain a lot from it.
Waqar, who was well-known for his blistering pace and reverse swing in the 1990s and amassed over 100 international wickets in Sharjah, reflected on his relationship with the United Arab Emirates and predicted a busy schedule of international cricket in the years to come.
“It was a blessing for Pakistan that I was able to play successfully in this area for ten or eleven years, helping to develop cricket in the United Arab Emirates and the wider region. Here, we’ve always had excellent help. As a result of teams like Australia and England opting to visit for their pre-season tours or camps, more teams are beginning to visit the subcontinent. There will be a lot more of this, I’m sure.
Some of Pakistan’s best cricketers, including Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, are competing in the ILT20 this season. Waqar Younis shared his thoughts on the matter, saying, “These are big names in T20 cricket.” The ILT20 already features a number of notable players, and these Pakistani stars, with their sizable fan following here, will encourage the players from the United Arab Emirates and help the competition develop even further.
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