‘New format is all about entertainment’
dubai — Entertainment, entertainment, entertainment is how Imad Wasim has described the T10 Cricket League which kicks off at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Pakistan’s 28-year-old slow left-arm orthodox bowler will be representing the Maratha Arabians during the four-day extravaganza. Speaking to Khaleej Times during nets session at the Springdales School in Dubai, the allrounder said: “It’s going to be a good tournament so I’m really excited about it.”
When asked if he had an idea of the format, he replied. “When you play the game then you get the idea. Yes, it’s a shorter version, but it’s not like you score 200 in 10 overs, maybe you can, but you have to get in and score runs. Again, it’s a batsman’s game but there are more chances of bowlers taking wickets.”
Imad, who is recovering from a knee injury, last played for Pakistan against Sri Lanka in the UAE. But there has been a gap since then. “If you are not playing international cricket it does affect your performance. I’m just back from injury but I played a couple of practice matches in Pakistan so I am happy about my fitness.”
Imad considers every ‘dot’ ball as a ‘goal ball’. “A dot ball is as good as scoring a goal for a bowler. You call it ‘goal ball’. “My theory is simple, you miss, I hit, so I bowl wicket to wicket.”
Imad said T10 is all about adapting and is excited to be playing alongside Virender Sehwag. “It’s really good that Sehwag (captain) is with us and I’m getting a chance to play with him so I’m really ex- dubai — Spectators of the T10 Cricket League are sure to witness some slam-bang, high-octane matches over the coming four days at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
One can expect a flurry of sixes and fours from some big-hitting batsmen. But, apart from keeping an eye on the ball, the power-hitters will also be targeting an apartment in Dubai which is on offer for the batsman that scores a century.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Ali Tumbi of Aqua Properties, who are one of the owners of the Maratha Arabians team, said: “Any batsman who can hit a century will get a studio apartment worth Dhs 500,000 in Dubai.”
When Tumbi was asked if it was possible for a player to reach a century given that the batsman could face barely 30 to 40 balls (max) in a 60-ball innings. Pat came his reply “why not”.
“I can’t speak for other teams, but from our team Alex Hales, Virender Sehwag and even Kamran Akmal can achieve it.
“Akmal has a 150 from 70 balls so if it comes down to 100 from 40 balls it is possible. We hope someone can hit a century and get an apartment.”
Not only that, any batsman scoring a half century can walk away with a Hublo Rolex standard watch. With interest diminishing towards