Dubai (PNP)
One of the most promising young cricketers from the UAE, Aayan Afzal Khan (36 T20Is, 37 wickets), eagerly awaits the DP World ILT20 Season 3. Now preparing for his third outing with the Gulf Giants, Aayan, who, recently represented UAE in the U19 Asia Cup, believes the ILT20 is a platform for UAE cricketers to showcase their skills.
The ILT20 has served as a catalyst for development of cricket in the region, by providing opportunities for UAE’s cricketers, to compete with some of the best players. (The DP World ILT20 ensures this by mandating a minimum of two players from UAE in the playing XI.)
Speaking on the impact of the DP World ILT20 on UAE players and their respective careers, the left-arm spinner said, “This league is very important because it gives opportunities to local players to compete against international players. Players who perform well in this league could also get chances in other franchise leagues.”
Aayan who has played for other international franchises further added, “The DP World ILT20 is a very good league and an excellent initiative that gives UAE players a platform. In the future, more players will be interested because they know this league provides opportunities to grow. It’s a great initiative, and we (UAE players) have also worked hard, so all franchises also show faith in local players.”
The Gulf Giants were crowned as the first champions of the DP World ILT20 and they followed it up with a playoff finish at season 2 of the DP World ILT20.
Our team operates like a family, and everyone contributes: Aayan Afzal Khan 