Defending champions New York Strikers have kicked off their Abu Dhabi T10 campaign with high-intensity training sessions, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to retaining the coveted trophy. The team’s preparation began with a core group of players taking to the field, with more stars set to join in the coming days.

The Strikers’ coaching duo of Head Coach Carl Crowe and Assistant Coach Albie Morkel expressed confidence in their reinforced squad, which combines returning champions with exciting new additions. The team’s strengthened bowling lineup, featuring international stars like Reece Topley and Mohammad Amir, alongside a powerful batting order, positions them as strong contenders for back-to-back titles.

Speaking about the first training session and the squad composition, Head Coach Carl Crowe said, “We’ve got some guys who have been here the last couple of years, so it’s nice to keep the core of the group together. We’ve made some exciting new additions as well. A lot of our players have been performing excellently around the world – Evin Lewis was very well for the West Indies, and Reece Topley is a fantastic bowler. We’re really pleased with the additions while maintaining what worked well for us last year.”

Assistant Coach Albie Morkel, overseeing the bowling department, added, “We’ve got a fantastic bowling lineup, and I’m very excited to see if we can fit all those guys in the same team. With Mohammad Amir and Reece Topley now joining our spinning attack, we’ve got a serious attack. Despite the pressure of being defending champions, with the personnel we have in the squad, there’s no reason why we can’t put up a good show again.”

West Indies legend Kieron Pollard another important member of the New York Strikers squad also joined in emphasizing on the importance of team attitude and smart cricket, he shared, “We want to play an exciting brand of cricket. I especially want to see unity in the field – that’s where you see the true testament of a team. If we can maintain high energy and excitement for those 45 minutes, coupled with smart cricket, that will help us achieve our goals.”

The initial training session focused on individual player requirements, allowing new arrivals to acclimate and shake off jet lag. The coaching staff plans to intensify specific skill-based training in subsequent sessions for all members of the New York Strikers squad.

The New York Strikers begin their title defense in two days, carrying the weight of expectation but armed with a formidable combination of experience and fresh talent.

Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana and New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell have voiced their enthusiasm about joining forces with the reigning champions New York Strikers for the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 season

Pathirana, who is set to play a pivotal role in the Strikers’ Abu Dhabi T10 campaign expressed his enthusiasm about returning to defend the title: “I am proud to be a part of New York Strikers’ squad. I am hopeful and looking forward to picking the cup for my team .”

New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell shared his excitement about joining the defending champions: “It feels great to be participating for the New York Strikers team in this season’s Abu Dhabi T10.  I’m eager to contribute to the team and excited to play.”

Team owner Sagar Khanna also shared his excitement while sharing, ” Our squad keeps getting bigger and we are sure to win a lot of support and excitement from Strikers Fan Club. We are aiming to do well and make it big in this campaign.”

The New York Strikers made history by clinching the Abu Dhabi T10 championship in their inaugural season, demonstrating exceptional cricket throughout the tournament. These strategic signings reflect the team’s commitment to maintaining their championship standards and building on their remarkable success.

With the latest edition of Abu Dhabi T10 set to begin from November 21, 2024, the representatives from all ten participating teams gathered at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Wednesday to address the media in the pre-tournament press conference. The leaders shed light on the plans for the season and explained how the addition of two teams will elevate the level of competition and add more thrill to the tournament. The 2024 Abu DhabI T10 will be the biggest season in history with 10 participating teams.

Mohammad Nabi, skipper of newly-formed Ajman Bolts, said, “It feels great to be a part of the league which is a champion in introducing and popularising the T10 cricket across the globe. Though it’s our debut season, we are pretty confident and are training well to make the season memorable for the team.”

UP Nawabs’ skipper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, echoed similar statements and said, “The team is in good shape. It’s the team’s first season and we are thrilled to make it an exciting and successful journey. The Nawabs are here to stay.”

The season 7 champions New York Strikers will also be beginning their title defence journey on November 22 against Morrisville Samp Army. Vice-captain Mohammad Amir addressed the media and said, “We had a pretty successful campaign last year and will attempt to replicate it this season as well and win our second consecutive title. All players are pumped up to be back in action on the field and have a great two weeks of cricket.”

Rohan Mustafa also expressed his delight in joining Samp Army as the skipper this year and shared his vision for the season. “It feels great to be a part of this wonderful team and tournament. The goal is clear- to lead the team to the championship title. However, at the same time, it is important to ensure that the players enjoy the process and the sport and give our viewers performances worth enjoying.”

Team Abu Dhabi, which is also going to mark the beginning of the season with their clash against Ajman Bolts, will also be looking forward to winning their debut title this year. The new captain Phil Salt confirmed the team’s agenda and how well-prepared they are for the new challenge.

“The aim, obviously, will be to lift the trophy on December 2. It’s my first season with the team in the role of skipper and I will try to lead the team in the best way possible, which yields us positive results. All players are bonding well and also giving their all in the training sessions, reflecting the commitment towards our collective goal and the enthusiasm to make it happen.”

Two-time Abu Dhabi T10 Champions, Deccan Gladiators and Northern Warriors are also pumped up to create history by lifting the third title and becoming the most successful team in the history of the league.

Gladiators’ star David Wiese gave a brief insight into the team’s agenda for this season. “We are one of the most successful teams in the league and wish to become the squad with the greatest number of titles by winning the trophy this year. We fell short slightly last year but this season, the aim will be to not let history repeat and emerge successful in the title quest.”

Warriors have a similar goal and the opening batter Colin Munro is aligned to make it successful. “Although we have two titles to our name, it’s been quite some time since we lifted our last trophy. This season, we are aiming to change this and add a third trophy to our cabinet, becoming the most successful team in the league. All players are quite zealous to kick off the action and we are looking forward to adding yet another exciting chapter to our book.”

Bangla Tigers, Chennai Braves and Delhi Bulls are all aiming to lift their debut cup, especially after the leadership of the three teams has now been given in the hands of new skippers.

Shakib Al Hasan, skipper of Bangla Tigers, stated, “It feels great to be back with the team and experience the exhilarating atmosphere of this tournament. All players are aligned with the team’s objective and game plan and cannot wait to step out on the field and show their exemplary skills.”

Thisara Perera, who took over the Chennai Braves’ captaincy this year, is also quite determined to make the season memorable. “The franchise joined the league in 2021 and is yet to open its title account. That’s the goal for every player who is a part of our squad. Players are doing well in the practice sessions and with the help of our excellent coaching staff, we should be able to finally mark a victory this season.”

James Vince will be a part of Delhi Bulls this year. “The adrenaline has started to kick in as we are just a day away from the beginning of this season. But the team is well-prepared and trained and is quite excited to begin the campaign, which we hope ends up with the trophy in our hands.”

The eighth season of Abu Dhabi T10 will commence on November 21 with the debut match between Team Abu Dhabi and Ajman Bolts. Being played in a round-robbin format, the playoffs will begin on December 1 with the Qualifier and two Eliminator games happening on the same day. The tournament will conclude with the final on December 2.

The Abu Dhabi T10 will be broadcasted in India, in English, Hindi and other regional languages by Star Sports while FANCODE will stream the games on OTT in the country. Styx Sports will be broadcasting the tournament in Nepal, T Sports in Bangladesh and Sky Sports NZ in New Zealand respectively. Afghanistan and Sri Lanka audiences can watch the games on RTA Sports and C.Live, and Supreme TV respectively.

Sky Sports has also acquired the broadcasting rights of Abu Dhabi T10 in the UK & Ireland while Willow TV can be used to watch the league by people in the US & Canada. Broadcast of matches in the Caribbean will be done by Sports Max while Super Sports has gained the rights for Sub-Saharan African fans. In MENA, Cricbuzz 1 & 2 and Abu Dhabi Sports will be the primary broadcasting channels for the league.