Two of cricket’s biggest icons, Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar and India’s Harbhajan Singh, are ready to make their return to the International League T20 (ILT20) for its third season. Both cricketers will once again serve as ambassadors for the much-anticipated tournament, scheduled to run from January 11 to February 9, 2025, in the UAE.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Return as ILT20 Ambassador
Shoaib Akhtar, known as the “Rawalpindi Express” and one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in cricket history, has confirmed his involvement in the third season of ILT20. Akhtar, who has an impressive record of 444 international wickets across Test, ODI, and T20 formats for Pakistan, will continue his role as an ambassador for the tournament.
In a statement, Akhtar expressed his excitement about returning to the UAE, where he has many fond memories from his playing days. He remarked, “Returning to the UAE is always a joy, as it holds countless cherished memories from my playing days.” Season 2 was an exciting showcase of competitive cricket, and I’m sure with the continued growth of the ILT20, the standard of cricket will only improve. This tournament offers a stage to display top-tier talent while also fostering the development of future players, which is vital for the growth of cricket in the UAE. I’m looking forward to another thrilling season.”
Harbhajan Singh: A Key Figure in ILT20 Since Its Inception
Harbhajan Singh, the legendary Indian off-spinner with over 711 international wickets across various formats, has been an integral part of ILT20 from the very beginning. At 44 years old, Harbhajan has also been actively involved in the commentary panel for the tournament, offering his expert insights during the previous seasons.
Reflecting on his journey with ILT20, Harbhajan said, “Being a part of ILT20 from the start has been an incredible experience, and each season keeps getting better. Season 2 was a spectacular display of top-notch T20 cricket, pushing the limits of what we expect from franchise cricket. What impresses me most is the rapid growth of cricketing talent in the UAE, and it’s thrilling to witness how this league is influencing the future of the sport in the region.”
ILT20: A Platform for Global Cricket Talent
The ILT20 has quickly become one of the most significant T20 leagues in the world, attracting international stars and offering a platform for emerging talent. Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh’s continued involvement emphasizes the league’s commitment to promoting both established legends and the next generation of cricketing stars.
Both players are optimistic about the growth of cricket in the UAE and the lasting impact of ILT20 on the future of the game. As ambassadors for the tournament, they are instrumental in driving its success and global recognition.
The Third Season: What to Expect
The third season of the ILT20 promises to be even more competitive and thrilling, with top-notch talent from around the world. Cricket fans can look forward to a month of action-packed matches, as some of the best players in the world come together to showcase their skills in a high-stakes environment.
With Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh at the helm as ambassadors, the league’s global reach and influence are set to expand, bringing the excitement of T20 cricket to new audiences and playing a pivotal role in the expansion of the sport across the Middle East.
As the countdown to January 11 begins, cricket fans are eagerly awaiting another thrilling season of ILT20, which will once again bring together some of the sport’s brightest stars in a celebration of global cricket talent.
Conclusion
Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh’s return as ambassadors for ILT20 Season 3 highlights the continued growth of this exciting T20 tournament. With their passion for the game and commitment to the development of cricket in the UAE, they play a key role in shaping the future of the sport in the region. Fans can expect an unforgettable season full of intense competition and unforgettable cricketing moments.
