The much anticipated T10 league to be hosted in the UAE will be without the services of Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara. The former Sri Lankan batsman who has continued to play in franchise leagues around the globe even after retirement has pulled put out of the tournament due to personal reasons. Sangakkara who was supposed to play for Maratha Arabian in the Heera T10 tournament will be replaced by West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo.
Bravo, a seasoned campaigner of the T20 format, plays all over the world for different franchisees and will be a perfect replacement for the 40-year-old Sri Lankan.
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag is the icon player of Maratha Arabians and will be coached by former Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram. The team also has the likes of Alex Hales, Karman Akmal and Imad Wasim and Mohammed Amir. The Arabians squad consists of players from nine countries including India, England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South Africa, Netherlands and the UAE.
Talking about Bravo’s inclusion Icon player, Virender Sehwag said:
“It is a disappointment that Kumar will not be with us during the tournament. He is an invaluable asset for any side. We are equally fortunate to have a top-class all-rounder like Dwayne Bravo replace Kumar.”
Head Coach and mentor Akram said:
“We are fortunate that we are able to replace an outstanding cricketer like Kumar with someone like Dwayne Bravo. Dwayne is one of the genuine all-rounders in limited-overs cricket who has really made a mark for himself. I am sure that Dwayne will add a lot of value to the side. We welcome him into the franchise with a lot of excitement.”
Maratha Arabians Squad-: Virender Sehwag (captain/icon/India), Dwayne Bravo (West Indies), Mohammad Amir (Pakistan), Alex Hales (England), Lendl Simmons (West Indies), Imad Wasim (Pakistan), Krishmar Santokie (West Indies), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), Roelof van der Merwe (Netherlands), Kamran Akmal (Pakistan), Mohammad Sami (Pakistan), Hardus Viljoen (South Africa), Ross Whiteley (England), Shaiman Anwar (UAE), Zahoor Khan (UAE); Head Coach and Mentor: Wasim Akram; Assistant coach: Dougie Brown; Manager: Abdul Latif Khan