Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has lauded the franchise cricket tournament for providing a platform to players from non-mainstream countries. He made this comment in the wake of UAE registering a historic T20I win over New Zealand. The UAE registered their first win over the Kiwis by defeating New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I in Dubai on Saturday.
Elected to bat after losing the toss, New Zealand were reduced to 142/8 as Ayan Khan took 3/20 and Muhammad Jawadullah took 2/16. UAE chased down the target easily thanks to some fine innings from skipper Muhammad Wasim made 55 runs in 29 balls and Asif Khan made 48 runs in 29 balls. Reflecting on the UAE’s famous win, Ravichandran Ashwin took to Twitter and credited the franchise league for allowing cricketers from so-called smaller nations to flourish.
He Wrote:
test nations and that’s good news for the game,”“UAE beating New Zealand is a big achievement and it’s also showing us what franchisee cricket has succeeded in doing. There is hope for the next generation cricketer coming from countries that aren’t mainstream
Citing the example of Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who is one of the most sought-after players in franchise leagues across the world, Ashwin said:
“When @rashidkhan_19 broke into the IPL, Afghans weren’t a feared cricketing nation at world cups but now no one can refuse that fact. The future may well see other nations having representations at the IPL and turning the fortunes of the game in their respective countries. ????????. Well done UAE???????? #UAEvsNZ.”
UAE beating New Zealand is a big achievement and it’s also showing us what franchisee cricket has succeeded in doing.
There is hope for the next generation cricketer coming from countries that aren’t mainstream test nations and that’s good news for the game.
When @rashidkhan_19…
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 20, 2023
Certainly, Not A Surprise To See The Way They Played” – Mark Chapman On UAE’s Historic Win
New Zealand batsman Mark Chapman has said that UAE’s win over the Kiwis in the second T20I came as no surprise as the allied cricket nations have been doing well in recent times.
Reflecting on UAE’s triumph, he said:
“I think we’ve seen associate cricket is going from strength to strength. The T20 World Cup in Australia highlighted that with some associate nations turning over some Test nations. Certainly no surprise to see the way they’ve played and the confidence they have with some really strong local tournaments here. It’s producing some good talent.”
