England's Tom Banton has been retained by the Qalandars franchise for the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 league to be played from January 28 to February 6 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Recently, Banton had pulled out of the ongoing 10th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL 10) 2020-21 in Australia citing bio-bubble demands having been staying in a strict atmosphere since June 2020.
Last year, the 21-year-old has had an incredible season with the Qalandars, hitting the tournament’s fastest fifty, is now yet again set to be seen in green in the showpiece event in the UAE.
On Monday, December 21, the official handle of the T10 league announced that the Qalandars have retained Banton for the upcoming 4th edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 league on Twitter.
Last week, the Qalandars have also signed former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi as an icon player for the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 league 2021.
He had last year signed the same deal but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to issue NOCs for all Pakistani players to feature in the league, resulting in a diplomatic crisis between Pakistan and UAE, ESPNCricinfo reported.
Well, the T10 league will see the new franchise Pune Devils making their debut in the tournament from January 28 to February 6 with the other teams are Team Abu Dhabi, Maratha Arabians, Bangla Tigers, Deccan Gladiators, Qalandars, Delhi Bulls, and Northern Warriors.
Noteworthy, the defending champions Maratha Arabians have also signed veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik as their icon player, while Dwayne Bravo will captain the Delhi Bulls in the tournament.
(With ANI Inputs)
