DUBAI 2 November 2018: The Sri Lankan cricket board yesterday granted its players permission to play in the upcoming UAE T20x, a newly launched T20 franchise league.
With this decision, Sri Lanka Cricket joins other full member nations including England, West-Indies, South Africa, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland along with 16 associate members.
Now UAE T20x has the support of 24 Full Member and Associate Member nations.
UAE T20x will take place from 19 December to 11 January in Dubai and Sharjah with five new franchise teams vying for the inaugural title in a 22-match format to be played over 24 days.
Fans will be thrilled to know that Sri Lankan stars such as Lasith Malinga, TM Dilshan, Ajantha Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Thisara Perera, Rangana Herath, Dushmantha Chameera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Jeevan Mendis, Dilshan Munaweera, Angelo Perera, Lakshan Sandakan have all signed up to be a part of this exciting league.
Sri Lankan cricketing veteran and the league’s icon player Kumar Sangakkara said: “I am delighted that the Sri Lankan cricket board has granted its players the permission and encouragement to participate in what promises to be an incredible tournament. This displays that Sri Lanka cricket understands the benefits that the UAE T20x can bring to the sport in our country, with youngsters learning and playing with the best names in international cricket. It is also a great chance for the world to watch some exciting Sri Lankan cricketers and legendary coaches”
Salman Sarwar Butt, CEO of UAE T20x said: “Sri Lanka Cricket’s support towards the UAE T20x means that yet another full member nation has recognised the importance of the league. It is indeed great to see such support from the global cricket community.