Sports

It’s time for Africa as T10 goes to Zimbabwe after UAE and Sri Lanka

Published

3 years ago

April 15, 2023

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Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), in association with T Ten Global Sports, has unveiled the country’s eagerly awaited franchise-based T10 tournament that is aiming to feature cricket stars from across the world.

The inaugural edition of the new competition, known as the Zim Afro T10, will be played in August this year, with six privately-owned teams involved.

The participating franchises, player auction dates, fixtures and other details will be announced in due course. However, the decision to come together was taken and declared formally at the final of the Abu Dhabi T10 League in December last year.

This is the latest tournament franchise established by T Ten Global Sports, the same company behind the Abu Dhabi T10 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Lanka T10 in Sri Lanka.

ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said he was confident the league would provide great fans entertainment, top-level competition for the players and vast exposure for investors.

“We are thrilled to unveil our own franchise-based T10 league, a powerful format that we believe is exactly what our changing, fast-paced world needs right now,” Mukuhlani said.

“We are confident the Zim Afro T10 league will excite a global fan base, create massive mileage for its commercial partners and, more importantly, propel our cricket forward and lay a positive roadmap for how the game is perceived for future generations.”

T Ten Global Sports founder and chairman Nawab Shaji Ul-Mulk is behind the state-of-the-art Zim Cyber-City real estate project that is being developed in Mount Hampden on the outskirts of Harare. The UAE-based investor said he was excited to be bringing the magic of T10 cricket to Zimbabwe.

“As our association with cricket continues to grow, we are delighted to bring to Zimbabwe an exciting format that will not only advance the reach, attractiveness and growth of the sport but will also present a massive opportunity for private investment into the franchises,” Mr Mulk said.

“We wish to thank Zimbabwe Cricket for accepting our proposal to invest in this game-changer and we are looking forward to an incredible journey together.”

Mulk addressed the launch conference alongside ZC managing director Givemore Makoni and Zim Cyber-City chief executive Tendayi Hlupo-Mamvura.

A gala dinner followed the official unveiling of the tournament, with government ministers, company executives, diplomats and international cricketers being among the guests.

Staff Reporter

News

Is Ronaldo playing? Dubai fans await big reveal

Published

15 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Football fans in Dubai could be in for a big night this weekend as Cristiano Ronaldo and his Riyadh-based club, Al Nassr, prepare to take on Al Wasl in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.

The match will be played at Zabeel Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm. The fixture was earlier postponed by the Asian Football Confederation and is now finally set to take place.

Back from injury

The main question on everyone’s mind is whether Ronaldo will feature. The Portuguese star has recently returned from injury and is in good form, scoring three goals in his last two matches. However, he has played only once in this competition so far, with the club managing his workload and focusing on the Saudi Pro League title race.

There are signs that this could change. With Ronaldo regaining fitness and the season entering a crucial phase, this match could offer him a chance to build rhythm and match sharpness. While his participation is not confirmed, fans remain hopeful.

Even if Ronaldo does not play, the match still promises top-level action. Players like João Felix and Sadio Mane are expected to feature, bringing quality and experience to the pitch.

Officials say the game is likely to draw a strong crowd, with or without Ronaldo. For Dubai, it is set to be a major football evening.

Sports

DP World ILT20 Season 4 shatters records with 397 million viewers and 2.5 billion video views

Published

6 days ago

April 10, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has officially cemented its status as a global cricket powerhouse. Following the conclusion of Season 4, new data reveals the league has tightened its grip as the second-most watched cricket league in the world, reaching a staggering 397 million unique viewers across TV and OTT platforms.

This represents a 7.49% increase over Season 3, fuelled by expansive broadcast syndication and the maiden title victory of the Desert Vipers on January 4, 2026.

Digital dominance: 2.5 billion views

While the TV numbers are impressive, the league’s digital footprint saw an even more explosive surge. DP World ILT20 platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, amassed over 2.5 billion video views during the season.

“This season we have further strengthened our position… with significant gains across all platforms,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.

“Our digital content, focusing on both high-stakes action and off-field fan engagement, has truly resonated with a global audience.”

Season 4 statistical highlights

Global Reach: 397 million unique viewers (7.49% YoY growth).
Viral Content: Over 350 social media posts surpassed the 1 million views mark.
Star Power: Features elite talent including Sam Curran (Player of the Tournament), Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, and Shakib Al Hasan.

Joseph Eapen, Managing Partner at GSIQ, noted that for such a young tournament, achieving this level of international relevance is a “highly credible and noteworthy achievement.”

With Season 4 in the books, the league is already looking toward the future. Officials have confirmed that dates for Season 5 will be unveiled in the coming days, promising an even larger spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.

News

Dubai airport welcomes travellers with special Dubai World Cup passport stamp

Published

3 weeks ago

March 27, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Travellers arriving at Dubai International Airport are being greeted with a unique souvenir, a special stamp on their passports celebrating the Dubai World Cup 2026.

The initiative, launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), marks the 30th edition (Pearl Jubilee) of one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events.

A grand sporting celebration

The iconic Dubai World Cup will take place on Saturday, March 28 at Meydan Racecourse, drawing global attention from racing fans and elite stables.

This year’s event promises high-stakes action:

100 horses from top international stables
Nine races across the evening
Total prize pool of $30.5 million

Spotlight on the main race

The highlight of the night is the $12 million Dubai World Cup race, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

Run over 2,000 metres on dirt, the Group 1 race will feature some of the world’s top thoroughbreds, including:

“Hit Show” – last year’s winner
“Forever Young” – UAE Derby and Saudi Cup champion
“Imperial Emperor”
“Meidan” – Super Saturday winner

A memorable arrival experience

The commemorative passport stamp adds a celebratory touch for visitors landing in Dubai, tying their arrival to one of the city’s biggest sporting spectacles.

With excitement building ahead of race day, Dubai is once again showcasing its ability to blend world-class sport with unique visitor experiences.