MbS made the remarks at an annual speech to the advisory Shura Council, which he gave on behalf of his father, King Salman
mena8 hours ago
Afridi will be lining up alongside Emirates employees — including four who are also members of the UAE team — as they attempt to upset the odds against some of South Africa and England’s most talented Twenty20 players.
He said: “It is going to be a tough challenge, but I am looking forward to it immensely. I always enjoy my time in Dubai and am very excited about playing in the first ever Emirates Airline Twenty20 tournament. “I know there is a real passion among cricket fans in the UAE and it will be great to play in front of them.”
It is a dream come true for Fly Emirates XI skipper Nigel Fernandes, who is delighted his team will get the opportunity to learn from one of the game’s most gifted players.
“I can’t believe that Shahid Afridi will be playing for us,” said the 32-year-old batsman from India, who works as an Airport Services Supervisor at the Emirates Group.
“He is among the best players in the world at the moment and to have him alongside us will give us great confidence.
“He is a player I greatly admire. He is a natural talent who can win matches singlehandedly. It will be an incredible experience for everyone in the team and a real honour to line up beside him.”
Afridi will be the star attraction at the event, but the Cape Cobras — the reigning Twenty20 champions of South Africa featuring experienced players and emerging stars — will also have a strong following, while fans of the English County game won’t be disappointed.
Sussex are England’s Twenty20 Cup holders and NatWest Pro40 champions and, with England players Monty Panesar, Ed Joyce and James Kirtley in their ranks, they should also prove popular with spectators, who will be able to take part in a number of fun activities planned by Arabian Cricket Challenge (ARCH), the event organisers.
The four-team line-up is completed by Surrey Lions — with England stars Mark Ramprakash, Steven Davies and Chris Tremlett expected to be competing at 7he Sevens, Emirates’ dedicated sporting facility, which is set to unveil a new cricket pavilion and pitches ahead of the tournament.
MbS made the remarks at an annual speech to the advisory Shura Council, which he gave on behalf of his father, King Salman
mena8 hours ago
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