On Wednesday, Sunil Narine was chosen to lead the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the first-ever ILT20 tournament to be held in the United Arab Emirates. Since being acquired by the Kolkata team of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2012, Narine has been a member of the Knight Riders team.
"I'm ecstatic to assume the position of captain for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. It's a new challenge because now I have to consider how our entire team is operating rather than simply paying attention to my game or my four overs. I am very looking forward to it, "He stated that in a franchise press release.
Additionally, Narine plays for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL (CPL). "It feels like a family because both Knight Riders and I have grown to love them. I enjoy being a member of teams everywhere they have them."
"I've played a lot of cricket in the UAE, so I have a good understanding of the playing environment. The ADKR squad is a recognisable lineup rather than a new XI that I need to get acclimated to. Consequently, knowing the strength of my teammates gives me a lot of confidence " he added.
Players from the West Indies including Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Raymon Reifer, Kennar Lewis, and Ravi Rampaul will be playing alongside Narine. Additionally, international athletes including Jonny Bairstow, Seekuge Prasanna, Lahiru Kumara, Charith Asalanka, Paul Stirling, Ali Khan, Brandon Glover, and Colin Ingram play for the Abu Dhabi franchise.
They just signed UAE native players Matiullah Khan, Fahad Nawaz, Sabir Ali, and Zawar Farid. "The team has many senior players, so I can get ideas and information from them. It's going to be a lot of fun, and I hope the Knight Riders family will accompany us on this adventure forever "Narine said.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will open the inaugural edition of ILT20 against Dubai Capitals on January 12, with the final of the six-team league comprising 34 matches scheduled for February 12. It will be clashing with the start of the SA20 league in South Africa and the Big Bash League (BBL) running in Australia.