Shoaib Malik praises DP World ILT20 as catalyst for regional and global cricket growth
DP World ILT20 is accelerating cricket’s expansion by showcasing Associate nations and UAE talent alongside international stars, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik says.
Strong message on global growth
Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik told reporters that DP World ILT20 has become a significant platform for widening cricket’s reach. He argued that the league’s rules and player mix are helping Associate Member nations and UAE cricketers compete against established international names. Malik noted that the tournament’s openness has reinforced the view that T20 cricket is now truly global.
Unique squad rule highlighted
Malik emphasized the competition’s unusual allowance for up to nine overseas players in playing XIs as a key driver of quality and exposure. He said that this flexibility brings diverse skill sets into each match and raises the competitive standard across franchises. According to Malik, that structure also creates opportunities for local and regional players to test themselves under intense pressure.
Associate nations gain foothold
At the Season 4 player auction, each franchise selected at least one player from Kuwait or Saudi Arabia, a development Malik described as “a very positive sign” for the wider Gulf region. He believes that the inclusion of players from new cricketing nations sends a clear signal that the sport’s footprint is expanding beyond traditional strongholds. Malik contrasted today’s landscape with a past era when fewer than a dozen countries were considered competitive at the highest levels.
UAE talent making tangible impact
Malik singled out several UAE-based players who have influenced DP World ILT20’s early weeks this season. He pointed to spinners and seamers from local ranks who have been effective against big-name opponents, arguing that their performances validate the league’s developmental role. The former all-rounder urged that continued exposure in franchise cricket should translate into stronger showings for these players in international fixtures.
Performances turning heads
Season 4 stats underline Malik’s observations, with certain UAE players emerging as consistent match-winners. Malik highlighted Haider Ali of Dubai Capitals for his composed bowling and ability to execute plans even against set batters, noting the spinner’s economy rate and wicket returns so far this season. He also praised Desert Vipers’ Khuzaima Tanveer and MI Emirates opener Muhammad Waseem for their wicket-taking and run-scoring contributions respectively, and said he hopes they carry this form into major international tournaments.
Regional strategy and long-term benefits
Malik described the league’s strategy of recruiting from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and UAE as forward-looking and aligned with cricket’s broader globalisation. He argued that franchise cricket can accelerate player development by exposing emerging talents to high-quality coaching, analytics and match situations. For cricket boards in the Gulf, Malik suggested the immediate priority should be building domestic systems that can feed into franchise opportunities and national teams.
Personal ties to UAE cricket
Reflecting on his own career, Malik recalled that his international debut came in Sharjah and that he has long enjoyed the region’s cricketing culture. He referenced Pakistan’s frequent matches in the UAE after 2009 and said his last appearance in the country was during the 2021 T20 World Cup. Those experiences, he added, contribute to his appreciation for the UAE as both a playing venue and a market for the sport.
DP World ILT20’s blend of international stars and regional talent is, in Malik’s view, a replicable model for growing the game globally. The league’s policy choices and franchise investments are creating pathways for Associate Member players and local stars to perform on a bigger stage, and Malik expects those pathways to produce stronger national teams in the years ahead.
The combination of strategic recruitment, high-profile competition and visible on-field success has positioned DP World ILT20 as an influential tournament for cricket’s next phase of expansion.