West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder believes the DP World ILT20 can help showcase local UAE talent and boost their prospects of playing in overseas tournaments.
The third edition of the tournament begins on January 11, 2025 featuring a host of international stars and local players representing six franchises. Each franchise fields a team made up of nine international players and two players from the UAE.
Holder, 33, a veteran of 63 T20 internationals, returns to the Emirates to represent the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders having previously turned out for the Dubai Capitals.
He is particularly excited about the increasing role of UAE players, noting that the ILT20 helps raise the standard of play while also providing crucial opportunities for local talent to thrive.
"It's always good to see the local talent prospering. There are plenty of players from UAE who are worthy of playing not only in this tournament but in other international tournaments as well," Holder said.
"As this tournament continues to grow bigger, the talent here will also keep improving and UAE cricket will become much stronger. So, I think the tournament is in good hands, and hopefully, we can continue to help everyone develop.
"When you have nine international players [in a playing eleven], it almost feels like an international game. So, you know, the competition levels are very high. Things like that obviously boost the tournament and its competitive nature as well. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of that – getting the best overseas players to come and play in this tournament, creating great competition and fun."
Holder joins an impressive Abu Dhabi Knight Riders roster featuring the likes of Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Michael Pepper, Charith Asalanka, and David Willey.
He scored 121 runs in five innings in his debut campaign with the Dubai Capitals at a strike rate of 159. He also picked up nine wickets in just as many matches.
Reflecting on the previous season, Holder said: “I really enjoyed playing last year, as it was my first time. It's a tournament that showcases a lot of local talent and also features experienced players. Seeing the fans come out in large numbers to support us has honestly been a very pleasing experience, both here in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. I’m looking forward to the next edition – I think it will be bigger and better.”
The other ILT20 franchises are Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriors.
Favourite things
Luxury: Enjoys window shopping for high-end bags and jewellery
Discount: She works in luxury retail, but is careful about spending, waits for sales, festivals and only buys on discount
University: The only person in her family to go to college, Jiang secured a bachelor’s degree in business management in China
Masters: Studying part-time for a master’s degree in international business marketing in Dubai
Vacation: Heads back home to see family in China
Community work: Member of the Chinese Business Women’s Association of the UAE to encourage other women entrepreneurs
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Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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