The T10 Cricket League will consist of four teams and run from December 21 to 24

Image courtesy of: Hindustan Times

A plethora of players, both past and present, have signed up to play in the inaugural edition of the T10 Cricket League from December 21 to 24.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, England limited overs skipper Eoin Morgan and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan are just some of the names that will feature in the competition, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates.

During the tournament’s unveiling on Tuesday, it was revealed that each match will be 10 overs per side and will run for approximately 90 minutes in total.

There will only be four teams competing and a draft will be held later this month.

Given the meteoric rise Twenty20 cricket has experienced ever since it was introduced in England in 2003, the president of the T10 Cricket League, Salman Iqbal, believes that the new format has a great chance of going viral.

“Everyone has played T10 cricket on the streets and this will give more fire to cricket and will be a big step forward and people will definitely enjoy it,” he was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Afridi admitted that he was excited by the idea and was eager to play in the first edition of the competition.

“When I was told of the idea I was thrilled and requested that I want to play,” he said.

Morgan echoed Afridi’s sentiments, saying: “The whole concept is exciting. We all remember when the first time Twenty20 cricket was played and since then it (Twenty20) has impacted the other formats.

“If this new idea takes off then I am sure it will also impact the other forms of the game.”

Afridi’s team-mate Misbah-ul-Haq, who recently retired from international cricket, conceded that the new format will appeal to older players.

“Its an exciting idea and a good thing for players like me,” the 43-year-old added. “It will need just ten overs of batting and then fielding and at this age I can afford that.”