UAE is set to witness some fantastic cricketing action again, as the Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy will enthrall fans in the sports loving country this October. The first edition of the league has been announced with a plethora of T20 stars from around the globe making up teams that will compete for the maiden title. 

The tournament will take place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi from October 4-6, with 6 teams - Pakistan Super League side Lahore Qalandars, Big Bash League team Hobart Hurricanes, Yorkshire Vikings from the Vitality T20 Blast, Multiply Titans from South Africa and Afghanistan side Boost Defenders and the sixth team to be confirmed shortly - to contest what is now a much anticipated event for the Emirates Cricket Board(ECB). 

Chris Gayle will be in action for the Boost Defenders, Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah will play for the Lahore Qalandars while Tymal Mills will represent the Hobart Hurricanes. Albie Morkel will lead the Titans side that will also have Proteas all-rounder Farhaan Behardien while Gary Ballance will lead the Vikings.

Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, was quoted saying about the development as, “Make no mistake, this a dynamic field of the best of the best. With this level of player power, the tournament allows Abu Dhabi to deliver on our mandate of ushering in an exciting new era of cricket in the emirate"

“Fans can look forward to three days of thrilling entertainment in what we anticipate will be fiercely fought action to lift the inaugural Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy. The tournament will certainly help cement Abu Dhabi’s international sporting credentials, reinforcing its major events hub reputation and expand awareness of our world-class facilities.”

The tournament has been approved not only by the Emirates Cricket Board(ECB) but by International Cricket Council(ICC) as well. 

(Inputs from Sportskeeda)