International League T20 (ILT20) franchise Dubai Capitals (DC) has roped in former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan for the inaugural edition of the UAE’s Twenty-20 tournament.
The franchise announced Pathan’s signing on their social media accounts on Monday evening. The 42-year-old is among the latest additions to the DC squad following the changes made in the rules.
𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 incoming at #DPWorldILT20 🔥
Here's welcoming the T20 legend Yusuf Pathan, who knows the art of hitting big sixes 👊
Can't wait to get started 🙌#ALeagueApart #DubaiCapitals #CapitalsUniverse #GMRGroup #GMRSports pic.twitter.com/2k0V3ioO1b
— Dubai Capitals (@Dubai_Capitals) December 19, 2022
https://twitter.com/Dubai_Capitals/status/1605156342842654721
Pathan, who announced his retirement from international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) in February last year, recently showcased his all-round abilities in competitions like the Road Safety World Series and the Legends League Cricket.
He finished the 2022 edition of the Legends League Cricket as the second-highest run-scorer. Representing the Bhilwara Kings, Yusuf amassed 184 runs in 7 games at an average of 30.66, with 48 being his best score.
Meanwhile, West Indies all-rounder Rovman Powell has been appointed as the captain of Dubai Capitals. The maiden season of ILT20 is scheduled to begin on January 13, 2023. The much-awaited clash will be played at the Dubai International Stadium.
The league has got the backing of several international stars, including former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who recently praised the team owners for starting franchise cricket in the UAE.
“It’s a big step for UAE cricket to have their own league. The country has hosted three IPLs and it knows how to organize leagues. Big congratulations to UAE cricket and the ILT20 is going to be a great one as all the top players are going to be participating.”
