Following a landmark DP World ILT20 League auction, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are ready to shine in Season 4 of the tournament.
Their journey kicks off against Sharjah Warriorz this Wednesday in Sharjah.
With a refreshed team featuring a mix of young talent and seasoned players, the Knight Riders are determined to leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory.
Dwayne Bravo leads as head coach, building a solid foundation. Jason Holder, signed as a wildcard, will captain the team this year. Key retentions and signings include Alex Hales, the top run-scorer in the DP World ILT20, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, and Olly Stone.
The team is further strengthened by Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, vital contributors to both batting and bowling. Piyush Chawla joins as a wildcard, reuniting the 2014 Kolkata Knight Riders title-winning trio, adding valuable experience.
ADKR also secured Scotland’s all-rounder Brandon McMullen, England’s wicketkeeper-batter Michael Pepper, and former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand. Additional recruits include Shadley Van Schalkwyk, England left-arm pacer George Garton, and West Indian spinner Khary Pierre, a former Trinbago Knight Rider.
The team boasts a strong GCC lineup, focusing on nurturing local talent. UAE’s Alishan Sharafu leads this initiative, joined by Ibrar Ahmed, Ajay Kumar, Adnan Idrees Muhammad, Abdul Manan Ali, and Mayank Chowdary.
Looking ahead to the new season, head coach Dwayne Bravo expressed, “We’ve assembled a fantastic squad with a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent. We aim to play an attacking style of cricket and adapt to any situation. The camp’s energy is high, and we’re eager to make a strong start.”
Jason Holder stated, “It’s a great honor to captain the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and I appreciate the management’s trust. We have a remarkable team with numerous match-winners. Together, we aim to achieve something special.”
