UAE Premier League to be held from January

UAE’s Inaugural Premier League T20 (PLT20) will be played across UAE in January and February 2022.

The new six-team franchise-style league has been sanctioned by Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.    

As part of the announcement PLT20, also unveiled the tournament logo which is an ode to its home city -- Dubai.

The hallmark of the new league is that it will have the highest number of international players in a squad. This unique aspect of the league will attract some of the biggest names in world cricket while also giving a platform and international exposure to upcoming players.

The logo fosters and exudes a patriotic fervour with the UAE’s national symbol -- the majestic Falcon draped in UAE’s flag colours, which then symbolically intertwines with the unmistakable Cricket image - the powerful hit of a batsman.

All the elements of the PLT20 logo are then encased by a shield; symbolizing pride, honour and strength which combine to create an unbreakable, uniting force of the UAE -- values which will underpin every aspect of the PLT20.

Khalid Al Zarooni, Premier League T20 Chairman said; “We believe we have created a logo that honours and reflects UAE’s culture as well as highlights our sporting prowess. We hope that this logo serves its intended purpose to unite, excite and generate a sense of pride throughout the cricket community - players and fans - across the world.”   

Dr Tayeb Kamali, Selection Committee Chairman, ECB, said: “With PLT20, we are delighted that the UAE now has a series of cricket tournaments involving all major formats that will bring together the best of international players alongside national players.

“As UAE’s newest league begins charting new territory across the UAE and the region, we believe PLT20 has created an image that accurately depicts what represents the UAE, the League, what unites us and what is at the core of its vision. We are thrilled for PLT20 to unveil its brand identity,” he added.     

The UAE have become a hub for the hosting the international sporting events.

UAE has become a sought after sporting destination for hosting the world class sporting events since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The UAE have a proven record successfully staging the world class sporting event during the pandemic.

A resolute UAE defied the odds and showed the world way ahead by hosting the MMA fight, which was otherwise scheduled to be held in the USA.

The successful staging of MMA fight at the Yas Island, featuring stars like Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, opened the floodgates as the UAE became a safe heaven to stage the sporting events.

The 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), AFC Champions League matches, FIFA World Cup qualifier, Asian Boxing Championships and the remaining matches of the suspended Pakistan Super League (PSL) were held in the UAE.

The remaining matches of the suspended IPL will also be played in the UAE from Sept.19.

Three days after IPL gets over, the T20 World Cup, which was supposed to be held in India  last year, will be played in the UAE and Oman.

The preliminary matches will be played at in Oman while the action will move to the UAE for the later stages.

After the completion of the World Cup, Abu Dhabi T20 will get under way from December. The dates have not been announced as yet.