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Gujarat Giants’ WPL stars draw inspiration from UAE’s Aayan Khan during ILT20 visit

Published

10 months ago

January 20, 2025

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Bharti Fulmali, Prakashika Naik, and Kashvee Gautam, new recruits of the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League 2025, attended the ILT20 match between the Gulf Giants and Dubai Capitals at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Their presence in UAE was part of Adani Sportsline’s efforts to promote women’s cricket in UAE.

Fulmali, who has been with the team since season two, scored 64 runs in three matches, including an impressive 42 runs off 36 balls. The Vidarbha batter revealed she’s a fan of Shimron Hetmyer, drawing parallels between their batting styles.

“I admire Shimron Hetmyer. He’s one of my favorite batters because he’s a hitter, just like me. We both bat in the middle order, and I’m eager to watch him play. My batting style and mindset are very similar to his,” she said. “As a finisher, you typically have only four or five overs to bat, so you need to hit from the first ball. During our pre-season camp, my coach mentioned promoting me in the batting order, so I’m preparing for those situations.”

Kashvee Gautam, who became the most expensive uncapped Indian player in the 2024 WPL auction when Gujarat Giants acquired her for Rs 2 crore, made history in 2020 by taking 10 wickets in an innings while playing for Chandigarh in the Women’s U-19 One Day Trophy. After missing the previous season due to injury, she’s ready to make her mark.

Gautam is particularly excited to play alongside West Indian cricketer Deandra Dottin, a T20 World Cup winner known for her explosive batting. “She’s a great athlete who can hit big sixes and take blinders. As an all-rounder, I relate to her role and look forward to sharing the dressing room with her,” she said.

Kashvee also praised leagues like ILT20 and WPL for nurturing young talent. “Both leagues have given opportunities to young players, and it’s great to see them evolving. They’re showcasing their talent alongside elite athletes. As a WPL player, I’m honored to share the dressing room with legends we’ve all watched and admired on TV.”

Prakashika Naik, picked by Gujarat Giants at the Tata WPL Auction 2025 for Rs 10 lakhs, shared her impression of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. “The ground and atmosphere here are excellent. While it’s challenging for leg-spinners, it’s a great venue. It’s inspiring to see Aayan Afzal Khan bowling and consistently taking wickets on these pitches. It is a great learning to see him bowl.”

Naik looks forward to learning from her new teammates, particularly Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield. “Australian players have a tough mindset, and I’m excited to work with them. Phoebe Litchfield is young but has a great approach. The way she bats and leads by example is impressive.”

Discussing the upcoming season, Gautam expressed confidence in her team: “Our squad is well-balanced with good all-rounders. That’s crucial in T20s – you need a long batting lineup and fast bowlers. I’m looking forward to winning many games with my team.”

Gujarat Giants will begin their WPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on February 14 in Vadodara.

Related Topics:#dpworldilt20 #dpworldilt20season3 #gulfgiants

Staff Reporter

Announcements

DP World ILT20 Crowns ‘Habibi & Habibti’ as mascot winners

Published

2 weeks ago

November 2, 2025

Staff Reporter

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The DP World International League T20 concluded its first-of-its-kind Mascot Design Competition this week. The competition was held from 4 July to 21 September.

The competition captured the imagination of students across the UAE. With an overwhelming number of entries, the activation demonstrated the extraordinary creativity, enthusiasm, and energy that cricket inspires among young minds, making it a truly nationwide celebration of sport, culture, and community.

The grand mascot unveiling was held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha. The winning student, Levin Veeroy Fernandes, was officially announced, and his imaginative design (Habibi and Habibti) was transformed into the official mascot of the DP World ILT20, now set to become the face of the league for seasons to come.

The event featured an exciting reveal ceremony, with the student’s design brought to life and presented in front of a vibrant audience, celebrating not only Levin’s creativity but also the remarkable participation of schools and students across the UAE.

The DP World ILT20 extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a resounding success. Each entry brought unique ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the league’s commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating the spirit of cricket.

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “On behalf of team DP World International League T20, I want to thank all the participants for their efforts. For us, all of you are winners, we are delighted with the interest that the competition created across the UAE.

“The DP World ILT20 is all about UAE and the development of the sport amongst present and future generations of cricketers. Sport and cricket in particular has helped bring together a number of communities and nationalities across the UAE. Cricket has a four-decade long legacy in the country and with the continued growth of the league, the future of cricket not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region is bright and exciting.”

Indian High Schools Group CEO Shri Punit MK Vasu: “Our partnership with DP World ILT20 presents a remarkable platform for our learners to witness world-class cricket in Dubai while embracing the deeper lessons the sport imparts.

“At The Indian High Group of Schools, we uphold the belief that cricket’s enduring spirit fosters respect, discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and composure under pressure, values that cultivate not only accomplished athletes, but also well-rounded, future-ready individuals prepared to lead with integrity, ethics and purpose in a global arena.”

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Announcements

Royal Champs announce star-studded squad for Abu Dhabi T10 debut

Published

2 weeks ago

October 31, 2025

Staff Reporter

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The Abu Dhabi T10 is set to welcome an exciting new entrant this season, Royal Champs, a team built on talent, tenacity and international flair. Led by cricketing legends and rising stars, the Royal Champs promise to bring a bold new energy to the fastest format of cricket.

The squad boasts a powerhouse lineup that blends global experience with emerging brilliance.

From England’s dynamic opener Jason Roy to Sri Lanka’s stalwart Angelo Mathews, Bangladesh’s talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, and Australia’s explosive Daniel Sams — the Royal Champs are primed to make an immediate impact.

The team’s complete roster includes: Jason Roy, Angelo Mathews, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Jordan, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Shehzad, Niroshan Dickwella, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Dawson, Brandon McMullen, Isuru Udana, Quentin Sampson, Rahul Chopra, Haider Razzaq, Zahid Ali, Kelvin Pitman, Vishen Halambage, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, and Aaron Jones.

At the helm is Head Coach Sir Courtney Walsh, one of the most respected figures in world cricket, who brings decades of international experience, leadership and an unwavering belief in the game’s evolving dynamics. Head Coach Sir Courtney Walsh share, “The Royal Champs are more than just a new team, we are a statement of intent. This squad has the right mix of skill, fearlessness and adaptability to thrive in the high-octane T10 format. Our goal is simple — to play bold, entertain fans and compete with heart and integrity”

“T10 is redefining modern cricket, and the Royal Champs are here to be part of that evolution. Every player in this line-up brings something unique, and I believe our balance of experience and flair will make us a formidable force.” Head Coach Courtney Walsh added

Announcements

UAE borrowing costs drop as Central Bank cuts base rate: What it means for businesses and residents

Published

2 weeks ago

October 30, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Good news for UAE residents and businesses. The UAE Central Bank has just lowered its Base Rate by 25 basis points, from 4.15% to 3.90%, effective this Thursday. This move follows the US Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut its interest rates, keeping things in sync because of the UAE’s currency peg to the US dollar.

What does this mean for you? Expect borrowing to get a bit cheaper. Whether you’re eyeing a new mortgage, a personal loan, or business credit, the rates should ease up. In simple terms, monthly payments could get friendlier, especially for those with variable-rate loans.

This comes after the US Fed trimmed its federal funds rate to a range of 3.75% to 4%, hoping to support the job market and tackle stubborn inflation. The ripple effects are clear, softening employment numbers, and ongoing economic headwinds are pushing for these cuts.

Which sectors will benefit

For the UAE, lower interest rates could give a boost to sectors like real estate, tourism, and small businesses by making funding easier. But keep in mind, analysts say the impact might be modest unless the Fed decides to cut rates more aggressively in the future.

Why is the Fed making these rate cuts? Their goal is a tricky balance: tame inflation while keeping employment strong. With big companies cutting jobs and inflation still slightly above target, the Fed is playing it safe, using these rate cuts as insurance against a potential economic slowdown.

Future interest rates

Looking ahead, another cut might come in December, possibly bringing rates closer to 3% in 2026, but things could shift depending on economic data and new Fed leadership.

Stay tuned for more updates and how these changes could affect your wallet!