Abu Dhabi T10 League starts today – 8 Sri Lankan cricketers participate

Wanindu Hasaranga, the star of T20 World Cup, will appear in the Abu Dhabi T10 League

The leading wicket-taker in the recently concluded T20 World Cup in UAE, leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, along with three other players who also appeared in the tournament – Sri Lanka white-ball skipper Dasun Shanaka,

middle order batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa and off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana are billed to appear in the fifth edition of Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021, which kicks off today at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

While Hasaranga will represent Deccan Gladiators, Shanaka, Rajapaksa, Theekshana, along with two other Sri Lankans Angelo Perera and Dhananjaya Lakshan, will be appearing for Chennai Braves.

Two former Sri Lankan cricketers Isuru Udana (Bangla Tigers) and Upul Tharanga (Northern Warriors) are also billed to appear in the tournament which is sanctioned by the ICC and hosted by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

Two other Sri Lanka players, who played in the T20 World Cup – Dushmantha Chameera and Chamika Karunaratne – were also due to appear for Chennai Braves but have withdrawn as they have been selected in the 22-member squad to play West Indies in two Tests starting at Galle on 21 November.

In today’s opening fixtures, defending champions Northern Warriors will take on Delhi Bulls and Team Abu Dhabi will meet Bangla Tigers. Six teams are competing in the tournament. 

– (ST)