ILT20 2025: Job of a champion is to defend the title, says Fazalhaq Farooqi

Afghanistan’s international pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who was instrumental in MI Emirates’ victorious effort in the previous ILT20, is set to have another outstanding season. With 17 wickets in just eight games last season, Farooqi demonstrated his class on a grand scale. He is now concentrating on helping the MI Emirates retain their title in one of the most difficult T20 competitions in the globe.

In anticipation of the ILT20 2025, the left-arm pacer, who has quickly established himself as a cunning death-bowler, highlighted the team’s determination. “Everyone is aware that MI Emirates won the championship the previous season, and a champion’s role is to protect it. Our goal is to win the championship again this year,” he stated.

During the last ILT20 season, there was an exciting race between the clubs in the league phase. Third and fourth place teams were tied at 10 points (differentiated only by net run rate), while the top two teams were tied at 12 points. “With eight to nine international players in each team, the competition naturally becomes very tough,” the 24-year-old said, reiterating that there was little room for error in the competition. The top players in the world compete here, so the degree of difficulty is really high.

The intense competition, he continued, bodes well for players’ growth, saying, “If a player performs well in such challenging situations, it’s a huge boost to their confidence.” It aids in their continued development and skill improvement.

Waqar Salamkheil, a colleague of MI Emirates, took home the White Belt title for best bowler with 17 wickets, but Fazalhaq Farooqi also finished with 17 wickets at an economy rate of 7.66.

Fazalhaq Farooqi stated that he was hopeful of repeating his ILT20 Season 3 success, saying,

“Last season was fantastic for me, and my aim this season is to perform at the same level.” I want to make the most of my abilities and help out as much as I can. I want to win the White Belt, lead the team to victory, and put on great performances all season long.

Farooqi acknowledged his teammates Muhammad Waseem, who won the Blue Belt – Best UAE Player for the second straight season, and fast bowler Muhammad Rohid as examples of UAE players who have excelled at the ILT20. “I can say this is almost the best league in the world as some of the best players in the world compete here,” Farooqi said. For a UAE player, the chance to compete and succeed in such a top-tier setting is enormous. When athletes are successful under such difficult circumstances, it is truly an accomplishment. Examples of this are Muhammad Rohid and Muhammad Waseem. The ILT20, in my opinion, has greatly improved the cricketers in the United Arab Emirates.

Regarding the role of the supporters, Farooqi emphasised the importance of their presence. “To all MI Emirates supporters, I implore you to show up and give the team your full support.” Your support is really important to us,” he said.

In a replay of the 2024 final, the MI Emirates will meet the Dubai Capitals in their opening ILT20 2025 encounter on Monday, January 13 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The six ILT20 franchises have retained T20 superstars like Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), David Warner(Dubai Capitals), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), Chris Jordan(Gulf Giants), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants),Akeal Hossein (MI Emirates), Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz Wildcard Pick in Season 2) and Johnson Charles (Sharjah Warriorz).

After making two appearances for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders last season, Jason Roy (Sharjah Warriorz), the legendary white-ball player from England, is back in the league. Gus Atkinson, an all-rounder for England, has joined the Sharjah Warriorz, adding to their strength. He will play 10 games for the Desert Vipers in the first season of the ILT20.

Jason Holder, once captain of the West Indies, will play for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The all-round player was a member of the Dubai Capitals the previous season.

Additionally, Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants) and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates) are set to make their ILT20 debuts in Season 3.

The third season of the ILT20 will run from January 11 to February 9, 2025.