Inaugural UAE T20X Cancelled Due to Lack of Franchise Buyers

The thought to launch a T20 tournament in the UAE hasn’t taken the right turn, as the authorities have snubbed the plan due to the lack of franchise buyers. Meanwhile, they had advertised it enough for the launch and also named AB de Villiers as the brand ambassador of the UAE T20X tournament.

However, unfortunately, all those efforts went in vain with no individual coming forward to own the franchise. The officials were pretty disappointed while taking the call, as they were pretty optimistic right from the start.

Planned UAE T20X Will Not Take Place –

The tournament was set to see some iconic cricketers making their way to the competition. The likes of Steven Smith, David Miller, Moeen Ali, Andre Russell and Shahid Afridi were few to name on the paper.

“Following talks between the Emirates Cricket Board and event promoter OPI, it has been mutually agreed. The planned UAE T20x franchise cricket league will not take place in the UAE this coming December/January. The decision follows the conclusion of the Invitation to a Tender process for tournament franchises,” noted on the Statement.

”Both the ECB and OPI had been hopeful of achieving the sale of five franchise teams for the first year of the tournament. Whilst negotiations had been completed on two franchise teams and a further three were well advanced, it was felt that there was no longer sufficient time to close the sales process. And also, to successfully deliver and promote a December event,” it added.

ICC statement affected:

Recently, the supreme board, ICC has quoted they are planning to restrict the franchise-based cricket to only a few countries. It left the buyers to take the back step, as it might affect their business plans.

“The decision of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in July to explore potential limitations. On T20 cricket leagues and player participation in them, meant that investment into UAE T20x had to be curtailed throughout the summer. In anticipation of a decision. This, in turn, impacted timings around commercial conversations with potential franchise buyers,” read the statement.

However, it is unfortunate to miss out hosting the UAE T20X, this time. It would be interesting to see whether the players show interest when UAE comes up new plans.