The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the UAE-based franchise league, International League T20 (ILT20), would not be awarded List A T20 classification since the UAE is not a Full Member of the global organisation. The ICC further said that no exceptions would be allowed for the league.
The first ILT20 will begin on January 13, with Dubai Capitals taking on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the tournament opener. The tournament has attracted a number of high-profile cricketers who will participate in order to make the event magnificent and successful. However, none of their efforts in the competition will be recorded on their official T20 records, since leagues hosted by non-Full Members are not eligible for formal List A T20 classification, according to ICC rules.
“T20 events conducted by non-Full Members cannot be granted List A T20 classification,” The Cricketer reported.
This effectively implies that if players like Robin Uthappa, Kieron Pollard, or Trent Boult have a standout innings with either the bat or the ball, their exploits will be noted in statisticians’ databases under the’miscellaneous’ or ‘other T20’ sections.
“The ICC has sanctioned the UAE ILT20, but it will not be given List A T20 classification since it does not match the conditions under the rules,” an ICC official told The Cricketer.
In any event, the league will undoubtedly have fans hooked to their televisions and carefully following their favourite teams. The top-tier tournament will provide an excellent opportunity for local players to get experience playing alongside high-profile stars.
