Newcomers New York Strikers and Samp Army score big in Abu Dhabi T10 player draft

Abu Dhabi T10 newcomers the New York Strikers and Morrisville Samp Army made statements of intent at Monday's player draft, signaling that they are not here just to make up the numbers.

The American franchises have bolstered the tournament to eight teams for this year's edition. which takes at the Zayed Cricket Stadium from November 23 to December 4.

The Strikers have drafted the West Indies powerhouse Keiron Pollard as their icon player and England’s World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan as their platinum signing.

Joining them are Azam Khan, son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan, Ireland’s Paul Stirling, and the UAE opener Muhammad Waseem, all renowned for their big hitting.

Samp Army recruited South African all-rounder David Miller as their big signing alongside Moeen Ali, who is currently leading England against Pakistan in the ongoing seven-match T20 series.

South African quick Anrich Nortje, West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer and Sri Lankan Chamika Karunaratne are players of note in the squad.

Sagar Khanna, owner of the New York Strikers, said he is delighted to be part of the Abu Dhabi T10 and believes his side can add value to the competition.

“The New York Strikers will is all set to meet the passion of the Abu Dhabi T10,” he said during the player draft at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr on Monday.

“We hope that the team can go all the way. The Abu Dhabi T10 is among the best events in the cricket calendar and I’m sure that the New York Strikers will add even more colour to the tournament.”

Here's how all the teams will line up