Eight teams draw battle lines in Abu Dhabi T10

During the 2019 edition of the tournament, 29 matches produced 5,989 runs with 800 boundaries and 259 wickets taken in ten days.

Abu Dhabi: Eight teams have drawn battle lines through a live team draw for the fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 slated to be played from January 28 to February 6 next year at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

The team draw has placed defending champions Maratha Arabians against Bangla Tigers, Delhi Bulls and Northern Warriors - the Champions of 2018 edition in Group A, while last year's runners up Deccan Gladiators will fight Qalandars, the second Qualifier in last year's Super League, Team Abu Dhabi and Pune Devils in their group stage league matches for pole position in the Super League.

Bangla Tigers last year secured the third place, followed by Qalandars -- who were the first eliminator in the Super League. Karnataka Tuskers -- a team launched last year -- has been rebranded as Pune Devils.

Each of the four teams will play three matches -- six in each group in the group stage. A total of 12 matches will be held in the group stage, followed by 12 more matches in Super League to determine the line-up in the Super League in which top two ranks as Qualifiers while third and fourth fight out as Eliminators. A total of 28 matches will be played in a span of ten days in the competition.

"I am delighted at the outcome of the draw for this edition. This year's icon players and retained players make every team well balanced, and this is bound to produce tough competition," Shaji Ul Mulk, founder & chairman, Abu Dhabi T10, said.

"It's a big achievement that we are able to stage this tournament during Covid times - All credit to Abu Dhabi Cricket. We've had record crowds in the previous editions and we hope the government permits maximum attendance for matches in the coming edition," he added.

During the 2019 edition of the tournament, 29 matches produced 5,989 runs with 800 boundaries and 259 wickets taken in ten days.

Matt Boucher, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Cricket, said, "It's a great day for Abu Dhabi T10 tournament. One of the first milestones of the 4th edition is now in the bag, and this is a fantastic moment for everybody. The special draw is complete and it looks like a brilliant set of games over ten days at the Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium. I am extremely impressed with the icons and the platinum category stars announced by the teams."

Cricket superstars, including the likes of Chris Gayle and Shahid Afridi, have been confirmed to play in the tournament.

Haroon Lorgat, Director Strategy & Development, Abu Dhabi T10, said, "This draw brings excitement to the teams and now they can start working out their squad formation. I am astounded at the potential of T10 cricket and its attraction to grow the game."