The Player’s Draft for the 2023 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament was announced on Monday, with all eight participating teams revealing their lists of retained players and direct signings. These teams include the Bangla Tigers, Chennai Braves, Deccan Gladiators, Delhi Bulls, Morrisville Samp Army, New York Strikers, Northern Warriors, and Team Abu Dhabi.
The 2023 season attracted a total of 782 players from around the world, including renowned international cricket stars. Among them, former Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi and compatriots like Mohammad Hafeez and Wahab Riaz are listed as Icon Stars available for selection. Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal and Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka are also part of the lineup.
Notable pre-signed players include former Indian cricket stars Ambati Rayudu and Yusuf Pathan. Pathan will join the Bangla Tigers, while Rayudu has signed with the Delhi Bulls.
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Speaking about his participation in the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 season, Yusuf Pathan expressed his excitement, saying, “The 10-over format is exciting, and I am always delighted to be a part of the league. My aim is to entertain the fans and help my team win the trophy this season.”
In terms of player retentions, the 2022 champions, Deccan Gladiators, retained the explosive Nicholas Pooran, who was the leading run-scorer in the previous season. The Chennai Braves retained Captain Sikandar Raza.