Franchises in the UAE T20 League or International League T20 have announced their foreign picks for the first edition. As we are aware, owners of four franchises in this league also have a team in the IPL. In the CSA T20 League, all franchises are owned by IPL team owners. It is evident that the companies behind the IPL teams want to build a brand by having teams in various T20 Leagues. In most cases, these owners have hired cricketers who also represent them in the IPL. However, there are some players who are outside of this category. These players have signed up with franchises in the UAE league, which are not owned by their IPL team owners. The IPL team owners have in turn signed different cricketers. It needs to be seen if these players would continue to play for their existing IPL teams next season. On that note, here, we take a look at four players who joined franchises not owned by their IPL team owners in UAE T20 League.
1) Sam Billings (Desert Vipers) did not join Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Sam Billings is one of the players who joined franchises not owned by their IPL team owners in the UAE T20 League. The owners of Kolkata Knight Riders also own the Abu Dhabi franchise in UAE. While Sam Billings represents KKR in IPL, he has signed up with Desert Vipers, owned by Lancer Capital in the UAE T20 League.
Captaincy could be the motive for the Englishman’s choice. He is most likely to get the responsibility in the Vipers. In the Abu Dhabi team, though, with the likes of Andre Russell involved, Billings might not get a chance to skipper the side.
2) Fabian Allen (Dubai Capitals) did not join the MI Emirates
The West Indian all-rounder was a part of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2022. However, he did not get too many chances to leave an impression. Now, he has joined a franchise in the UAE T20 League, owned by the co-owners of the Delhi Capitals in IPL.
It won’t be a surprise if MI releases Fabian before IPL 2023. They have got a similar player in R Sanjay Yadav, who is in good form. Also, releasing Fabian will free up an overseas slot, which can be filled with other options.
3) Mohammad Nabi (Sharjah Warriors) did not join Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Mohammad Nabi is also one of the players who joined franchises not owned by their IPL team owners in the UAE T20 League. The Afghan cricketer plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL. However, in the recent season, he did not get a chance.
Capri Global Capital owns the Sharjah Warriors in the UAE. They also own the Gujarat Titans in IPL. Hence, it is a surprise that Nabi signed up with the owners of his team’s direct competition in IPL. Reasons could be that KKR decided to release Nabi or the player might have signed for the Warriors in search of a better opportunity.
4) Dominic Drakes (Gulf Giants) did not join Sharjah Warriors
Dominic Drakes won the IPL with Gujarat Titans in 2022. However, the West Indian did not join the team owned by the owners of Gujarat Titans.
Drakes has signed up with Gulf Giants, which has the Adani Group as the owners. It is also likely that GT could release Drakes ahead of next season. Yash Dayal is doing well as the left-arm seamer and hence, the West Indian might be excess to requirements.
