Bollywood bowls Dubai over at DP World ILT20 opening
- 11 Jan 2025
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The DP World ILT20 launched in spectacular fashion at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday. The star-studded trio of Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa headlined a blockbuster opening ceremony as fans packed the iconic ‘Ring of Fire’ for the double-entertainment offer – opening ceremony and the tournament opener – for the region’s premier T20 tournament.
The festivities culminated in a stunning fireworks display signalling the start of the season. Bollywood actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani and popular host Ridhima Pathak kept the crowd engaged as emcees for the evening.
Following the opening ceremony, anticipation soared for the season opener that will see Dubai Capitals host defending champions, MI Emirates in a thrilling rematch of last year’s final. The opening ball of the season was bowled at 7:30pm local time with MI Emirates winning the toss and choosing to bowl first.
Audiences from around the world can catch the action live on the Zee Network and its syndication partners through both linear and digital platforms.
Furthermore, fans can take advantage of an incredible offer for matchdays from Sunday, 12 January onwards-four tickets for just Dhs40, available exclusively in the general category, and a final and limited release of tickets for fans, with 25% off on all Pavilion and Platinum tickets.
The month-long cricket fest will see some of the world’s finest cricketers in action, including Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Sikandar Raza (Dubai Capitals), Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), James Vince (Gulf Giants), Tim Southee (Sharjah Warriorz), David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Jason Holder (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Phil Salt (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Sharjah Warriorz), Sam Curran (Desert Vipers), Jake Fraser-McGurk (Dubai Capitals), Tim David (Gulf Giants), Fazalhaq Farooqi (MI Emirates), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz), Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), and Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants).
DP World ILT20 Tournament Ambassador Shoaib Akhtar said: "This season, the DP World ILT20 is larger than ever before, the kind of colours and hard work that went into it last year was amazing. It's good to see people tune in and engage with the tournament. I'm sure this season will be even better."
DP World ILT20 Season 2's most valuable player and Red Belt winner Sikandar Raza, who returns to lead the Dubai Capitals' campaign this year, said: "This is my third year with the Dubai Capitals, and it's great to be with them again. Winning the MVP award last year was nice, but it would have been even better to lift the trophy. Having nine international players in the playing eleven certainly makes it one of the toughest leagues in the world. Hopefully, we can take that extra step this year, building on the lessons we learned last season."
Sunil Narine, T20 veteran and skipper of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, lauded his team's composition. Narine said: "We have our eyes on the prize. As a captain, you have do it your own way, I think it's a work in progress but I'm getting better and better at it."
Lockie Ferguson is set to lead the Desert Vipers in his debut season at the DP World ILT20, the New Zealander highlighted his enthusiasm on taking part in the competition for the first time, he said: "It's great to be here with so many players that I have played alongside and against in my career. It's a beautiful part of the world and we are very looked after here."
Gulf Giants' fast bowler Tymal Mills, who addressed the press conference in place of his captain James Vince, said: "I am really excited for the first game. It is my first time working with Andy Flower who is one of most successful coaches in franchise cricket."
Also taking the reins as captain in his debut season, Sharjah Warriorz's Tim Southee said: "It's a great tournament, I have watched from afar and can't wait to get on in this season. My goal is always to try and contribute to the team's success and offer some experience to the younger players, while always learning from some of the others."
