Alishan Sharafu credits ILT20 for providing platform for UAE youngsters

The ILT20 2024 tournament in the UAE has been a significant platform for the development of young cricket talent in the region, with players like Ali Naseer, Alishan Sharafu, and Zuhaib Zubair lauding its impact on their careers.

Alishan Sharafu from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play in the tournament, highlighting the support and trust of his team. He said, “It was a great experience to be a part of this tournament. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are a great franchise to play for. I was fortunate that they trusted me and gave me opportunities and I am glad that I could help the team win matches.”

He also praised the experienced players in the team, including Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, for their welcoming attitude and contribution to his growth as a player. Sharafu added, “They were so welcoming and made everybody feel like a part of the family. A couple of days in the camp it already felt like we had been playing together for a long time.”

Ali Naseer, who played for Desert Vipers, emphasized the positive impact of the ILT20 on cricket in the UAE. He noted that it has incentivized players to stay and play cricket locally. He said, “In the past, promising cricketers would sometimes leave the UAE to seek opportunities elsewhere but ever since the ILT20, players are incentivized to play cricket in the UAE.”

He highlighted the financial and developmental benefits for players, leading to a stronger national team. Naseer also credited the tournament for his personal development as a player, especially in facing top bowlers like Trent Boult. He added, “I think it has helped me develop as a player. To be able to face a bowler like Trent Boult and to score runs really helps your confidence.”

Gulf Giants’ Zuhaib Zubair echoed these sentiments, noting the significant improvement in his bowling due to the guidance and practice with experienced coaches and players like Andy Flower and Chris Jordan. Zubair highlighted the maturity he gained as a bowler and expressed his goal to be the best bowler in the upcoming ILT20 season. He said, “Practicing with experienced coaches and batsmen in the nets has been very beneficial to me and will be for any player. It helped me build a certain level of maturity as a bowler.”

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