Renowned South African cricketer AB de Villiers has been named as the global ambassador of the UAE’s new T20 league, now known as UAE T20X, it has been announced.
“Our intention is to build a new league that is here to stay, with innovation and fan engagement at its heart,” Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) board member and official spokesperson.
“To do this, we need to work with the very best, and this is certainly the case with AB de Villiers, who has an unparalleled track record when it comes to entertaining fans.”
De Villiers retired from international cricket this year after a 14 year career. The South African currently holds the world record for the fastest half-century (16 balls) and century (31 balls), and is one of very few batsmen to top the rankings in Test and 50-over simultaneously.
Say hello to Mr. 360!
Cricket legend and #UAET20x global ambassador @ABdeVilliers17 has a message to cricket fans in the UAE and across the world.
Follow us to find out more about the UAE's first international T20 league. pic.twitter.com/8U2CGQouN6
— UAE T20X (@UAET20X) August 14, 2018
Abbas added that de Villier’s “knowledge and expertise will be invaluable as we aim to leave a lasting legacy for the game.”
“Cricket legends such as AB will also help this league promote the UAE as an international cricket hub, a producer of world-class cricket players and a major destination for prestigious cricketing events,” he said.
In a statement, de Villiers said that “UAE T20x is a really exciting addition to the cricketing calendar, and its ambition to give more young, emerging cricketers, from around the world, the chance to play this format alongside some of the world’s best, is what really appealed to me.
“I’m delighted to be taking on this role as a T20x ambassador, particularly as it will be focused on helping to grow the game that I love in the UAE and around the world,” he added.
The league will take place over 24 days in December and January beginning on December 19, with 22 matches being held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The event has already received the support of seven International Cricket Council (ICC) full member nation cricket boards, including England and Wales, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies, in addition to 12 ICC associate members.
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