”Gulf Giants operates like a family’- Aayan Afzal on ILT20 journey

ILT20 2025, which will take place from January 11 to February 9, 2025, is something that Aayan Afzal Khan, one of the UAE’s most promising young cricket players, is looking forward to. Aayan is now getting ready for his third appearance with the Gulf Giants. He most recently played for the UAE in the U19 Asia Cup and thinks the ILT20 is a chance for UAE cricket players to show off their abilities.

The ILT20 has acted as a stimulant for the growth of cricket in the area by giving UAE cricket players a chance to play against some of the top players. Interestingly, the ILT20 makes sure of this by requiring at least two UAE players to be in the starting lineup.

“This league is very important because it gives local players opportunities to compete against international players,” the left-arm spinner stated while discussing the ILT20’s effect on UAE players and their careers. Players that excel in this league may be given opportunities in other franchise leagues.

“It’s a great league and a great initiative that gives UAE players a platform,” Aayan, who has played for several international teams, continued. Since they are aware that this league offers growth prospects, more players will be interested in playing in the future. All franchises have faith in local players since it’s a fantastic project and we (UAE players) have worked hard.

The Gulf Giants were crowned the inaugural ILT20 winners, and in 2024, they advanced to the playoffs.

My advice to all of our supporters in the UAE is to keep up the good work: Aayan Afzal

As a crucial component of the UAE squad inside the franchise, Aayan reflected on the team’s accomplishments, saying: “We won that season, therefore the first season was really wonderful for our team. Although we made it to the playoffs in the second season, our club had two excellent seasons overall. Every member of our team contributed and performed their role effectively, and we work as a family.

Aayan ended 2024 having taken six wickets in eight games. “I took two wickets in two balls in my first over against Sharjah Warriorz, which was the most memorable moment for me,” he recalled, referring to the campaign’s most memorable game. That was particularly memorable for me because it gave our squad a strong start, and we won that game handily.

Aayan emphasised how supporters inspire players to perform well on the pitch when he said, “My message to all the fans in the UAE is to continue supporting us like you did in the first season when we won the trophy.” This time, hopefully, we’ll prevail. We appreciate everyone who attends the stadiums as supporters and fans.

The Gulf Giants will play Sharjah Warriorz in the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, January 12, 2025, to kick off their season.

Superstars of the Twenty20 game, including Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Akeal Hossein (MI Emirates), Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz Wildcard Pick in Season 2), and Johnson Charles (Sharjah Warriorz) are retained by the six ILT20 franchises?

After making two appearances for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders last season, Jason Roy (Sharjah Warriorz), the legendary white-ball player from England, is back in the league. Gus Atkinson, an all-rounder for England, has joined the Sharjah Warriorz, adding to their strength. He will play 10 games for the Desert Vipers in the first season of the ILT20.

Jason Holder, once captain of the West Indies, will play for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The all-round player was a member of the Dubai Capitals the previous season.

Additionally, Tim Southee (Sharjah Warriorz), Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants) and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates) are set to make their ILT20 debuts in Season 3.