ILT20: UAE hopefuls target last deals to play alongside David Warner and Co

Around 80 players will be vying for the final 13 contracts available for UAE-based cricketers to play in the DP World International League T20 on Friday.

The six franchises will meet via Zoom to fill their respective quotas of local players for the second season of the competition, which starts in January.

Each team must have four in their squad. An easing of the eligibility criteria means more players have been able to put themselves forward to play in the UAE’s premier T20 tournament.

Last season, only those who are qualified to play for the national team, via either birth or the ICC’s three-year residency rule, were able to be selected.

Now, though, players who have lived in the country for at least a year but are committed to qualifying to play for the UAE are eligible.

Five of the six franchises retained two UAE players from the first season. Aayan Khan and Sanchit Sharma remain with the champions, Gulf Giants.

Junaid Siddique and Mohammed Jawadullah have stayed with Sharjah Warriors, and MI Emirates have kept Muhammad Waseem and Zahoor Khan.

Matiullah Khan and Sabir Ali will remain with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, with Ali Naseer and Rohan Mustafa doing the same with Desert Vipers.

Akif Raja was the one UAE player retained by Dubai Capitals, meaning they have three places on offer for aspiring players.

Those who are selected for the Capitals will get to play alongside stars like David Warner and Mark Wood in the forthcoming campaign.

Competition for selection is fierce, judged by the standard of play at the ILT20 development tournament, which concluded last week.

The tournament was organised to give players the chance to advertise their skills to prospective employers for the main event.

Australia batsman David