Shoaib Akhtar and Virender Sehwag Hail DP World ILT20 for Nurturing Cricket Talent in the Region

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As the DP World ILT20 prepares for its third edition, set to begin on January 11, 2025, cricket legends Shoaib Akhtar and Virender Sehwag have applauded the league for its transformative impact on regional cricket talent. Speaking at the Season 3 launch event in Dubai, both icons underscored the significance of the league in fostering young players and elevating the sport's profile in the region.

Virender Sehwag, the former Indian cricket star, reflected on how the league has contributed to the development of players over the past two seasons. "When we look back at the past two seasons of the DP World ILT20, we can see that many players, whether they are from the UAE or other countries like Afghanistan, have significantly improved their performances in ICC tournaments," Sehwag stated.

He also highlighted the invaluable learning opportunities the league offers to UAE players. "For the UAE team, when players play alongside nine international stars, they get the chance to learn from these experienced players... Not only during matches but also in how the international players practice, prepare, and handle pressure situations. They won't find this kind of exposure anywhere else."

Sehwag drew from his own experience of playing with international cricket stars such as Glenn McGrath and AB de Villiers, noting that these interactions played a crucial role in his career success.

He likened the DP World ILT20 to a similar platform for emerging players from the UAE, offering them unparalleled opportunities for growth. Shoaib Akhtar, known as the "Rawalpindi Express," echoed Sehwag's sentiments, emphasizing the league's contribution to cricket in the GCC region.

"As I've always said, it's a breeding ground of talent for GCC countries, not just the United Arab Emirates. It is only going to help cricket, and it is a great initiative. I am blessed to be part of it and help the game grow," Akhtar said.

He further praised the league's organisers and partners, commending their efforts in promoting the sport. "The effort being put in by DP World, the organisers, the broadcasters, and the Emirates Cricket Board is tremendous. They have made it easy to collaborate with them," Akhtar noted.

In addition, Akhtar pointed out how the DP World ILT20 has successfully blended cricket with entertainment, rekindling the excitement of high-quality matches in the region reminiscent of the India-Pakistan clashes in Sharjah. The DP World ILT20 Season 3 will feature 34 matches, running from January 11 to February 9, 2025.