Sports

‘Great boost to have one of Indian greats with us in Abu Dhabi T10,’ says Bangla Tigers’ Dasun Shanaka on Dinesh Karthik

Published

8 months ago

November 28, 2024

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Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka believes the presence of Indian cricketers in Abu Dhabi T10 helps in attracting fan attention and also helps in developing the talent. The bowling allrounder, who is playing for Bangla Tigers in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10, is teammates with former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik in the league’s eighth edition. The former Sri Lankan captain said that Karthik’s presence is a major boost for their side.

“Dinesh Karthik shares a lot of experience with us, especially the youngsters. It’s a great boost to have one of the Indian greats here with us. His presence really helps our combination and he also attracts a lot of fan attraction he brings. There are a lot of fans backing him,” he said.

The 33-year-old added that having Indian players in T10 helps in elevating the level of the competition. “Indian players coming here is a very special moment because the players who have played IPL and carry so much experience on their shoulders. Everyone is looking forward to the same – and hopefully, more and more Indian players start coming here in T10 from next year onwards.”

Shanaka’s remarks came after his side went down to Ajman Bolts in Abu Dhabi T10 by 31 runs on Wednesday at Zayed Cricket Stadium. In the match, Alex Hales smashed an unbeaten 75 off 30, setting up a mammoth target of 134 for the Tigers to chase. Shanaka said that the bowlers were a tad bit expensive in the afternoon which cost them the match.

“I think we were a little bit expensive today with the ball. We have to take it as this is T10 format. It is one of the days when our bowlers did not click. Alex played really well and hence they were able to set up a massive target on this wicket. We had to bowl from day one to chase down the total. We cannot hang around and look for the singles and rotate strike. That is one area where we are unable to click. Hopefully we will bounce back,” he said.

Meanwhile, just after the Abu Dhabi T10 final on December 2nd, the highly-anticipated inaugural edition of Lanka T10 will take place in Pallekele between December 11th to December 18th, continuing the legacy of the fastest-growing format of the sport.

Expressing his excitement about the upcoming tournament, Shanaka said, “Over the years, Abu Dhabi T10 has achieved the highest standards as compared to many other leagues. But as we travel to Sri Lanka, there will be many stars coming there as well.”

“So it will be a really good competition and the T10 format as well. I expect a similar standard as Abu Dhabi in Lanka T10. And that showcases how far this format has grown. Hopefully, it will happen the same way,” he signed off.

Related Topics:#abudhabit10 #banglatigers #t10 #t10cricket

Suhani Singh

As a trainee reporter and creative lead, I focus on curating engaging content and managing the social media presence for the company. I aim to connect audiences with relevant, impactful news through multiple digital platforms.

Sports

Asia Cup 2025 in UAE: Full schedule, teams, and the big India-Pakistan showdown

Published

3 days ago

July 28, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Cricket fans in the UAE, get ready, the Asia Cup 2025 is heading your way, and the excitement starts on September 9.

The tournament opener will see Afghanistan take on Hong Kong China. Still, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated clash the next day: India vs UAE on September 10, marking the Men in Blue’s first match on Emirati soil in this edition.

Organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the Asia Cup is back for its 17th edition, bringing together eight nations divided into two action-packed groups.

Group A

India
Pakistan
UAE (hosts)
Oman

Group B

Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Afghanistan
Hong Kong China

The big-ticket match everyone is waiting for? India vs Pakistan on September 14. And depending on how the Super 4 and final play out, these two rivals could face off up to three times in the tournament.

Format & Schedule Highlights

Group Stage: September 9 to 19
Super 4s: September 20 to 26
Final: September 28
(All matches start at 6pm UAE time)

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4 round, and the top two from there will battle it out in the final showdown on September 28.

Can India Defend Their Crown?

India enters the Asia Cup 2025 as the defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament’s history, with eight titles to their name. Sri Lanka follows closely with six, while Pakistan have won it twice.

This year’s tournament will be played in the T20 format, making it the perfect build-up to the T20 World Cup in 2026. The last time the Asia Cup was played in T20 format? Sri Lanka stunned Pakistan in 2022 to take the trophy.

Mark These Matches on Your Calendar:

Sep 10: India vs UAE
Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman
Sep 14: India vs Pakistan (don’t miss this!)
Sep 17: Pakistan vs UAE
Sep 19: India vs Oman
Sep 28: Asia Cup Final

With high stakes, regional pride, and potential rivalries reignited, Asia Cup 2025 promises fireworks in the UAE, on and off the pitch.

News

DP World ILT20 donates tournament gear to children in Madagascar through Gulf for Good partnership

Published

2 weeks ago

July 16, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is extending its impact well beyond the cricket pitch, to Madagascar, where children are now proudly wearing official ILT20 merchandise from last season, thanks to a charitable partnership with Gulf for Good, a UAE-based non-profit.

As part of its CSR initiative, the ILT20 has donated over 500 pieces of branded merchandise to children in need through Gulf for Good’s Outreach Programme. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support education and community development projects around the world, with over 2,000 children expected to benefit in the long run.

“This initiative is all about making a small contribution to a much bigger cause,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.
“We’re proud to call the UAE our home, a country that is globally recognised for its generosity. As the region’s biggest cricket league, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond the field.”

Looking ahead: ILT20 Season 4 set for UAE National Day launch

The DP World ILT20 Season 4 will return in style this winter, kicking off with a blockbuster opening on UAE National Day (December 2) and wrapping up with the grand final on January 4, 2026. The six-team, 34-match tournament continues to grow in popularity, drawing international stars and thousands of fans from across the region.

Sports

FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket applications to open on September 10

Published

2 weeks ago

July 16, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Football fans, mark your calendars: FIFA has announced that the first ticket application phase for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will open on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

The tournament, set to be the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.

With demand expected to be massive, FIFA is urging fans around the world to pre-register at FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA ID now to be ready for the draw.

“These will be the most coveted seats in world sport,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We’re excited to welcome the world back to North America for what will be the greatest sporting event ever.”

Key tournament dates

Opening match: Thursday, June 11, 2026 – Mexico City
Final match: Sunday, July 19, 2026 – New York/New Jersey

The announcement follows the success of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, also hosted in the U.S., which drew nearly 2.5 million fans across 11 cities, a strong preview of what fans can expect in 2026.

What fans can expect

48 national teams competing
Matches across 3 countries and multiple cities
6.5 million fans expected to attend
First ticket draw opens September 10, 2025

Whether you’re planning a summer trip or simply want to be part of football history, now’s the time to act. Register your interest and get ready to secure your place for what’s set to be a truly unforgettable tournament