Abu Dhabi T10 league pushed further to next year due to busy UAE cricket calendar

This year’s Abu Dhabi is all set to go on floors this season, but the tournament has been rescheduled. The 10-over T20 extravaganza, initially slated to start from November 19th, has been pushed further to January.

The final of the IPL 2020 is due to take place on November 10. Considering that the focus of UAE cricket is currently only on the IPL, the T10 league will now be played from January 28 to February 6, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. Aref Al Awani, the general secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said that they’re planning to host the tournament in a bio-secure environment owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“T10 is fast, punchy, exciting cricket that engages fans of the sport like few other tournaments, so we are naturally thrilled to see the 2020 tournament going ahead early next year,” Al Awani said as quoted by The National.

“As people saw from the level of support the tournament delivered in its inaugural year, Abu Dhabi is a committed sporting destination. The Abu Dhabi T10 has already well and truly confirmed itself within the top tier of the emirate’s sports portfolio,” he added.

Over 124,000 spectators attended the tournament last season

Over 124,000 spectators attended the tournament last season and it fetched a cumulative TV audience of more than 80 million globally. Sony Pictures Network, the host broadcasters, are hoping to take up the number by at least 15 per cent in the upcoming edition.

“This year has proved to be a hugely challenging one for sports, so we are absolutely thrilled that Abu Dhabi will be welcoming us for the rescheduled tournament,” Shaji Ul Mulk, the league’s chairman, said. “The Abu Dhabi T10 will continue to grow stronger every year, so we are eagerly anticipating getting back at the crease in the UAE capital,” he added.

Just like last year, the tournament will feature eight teams battling for the ultimate trophy in a 10-day format. A number of franchises have changed owners and hence, there’s a possibility of witnessing revamped teams. The much-awaited IPL 2020, after many delays, finally rolled out in the UAE on September 19th and since then, it has been a massive success so far. Matt Boucher, Abu Dhabi Cricket’s chief executive, said similar safety measures will be implemented at the T10 as have been in place for the IPL.

“We look forward to working in collaboration with T Ten Sports Management to ensure the efficient and safe delivery of the Abu Dhabi T10,” Boucher said.