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5 players who could captain a team in the UAE T20 League

The UAE T20 League is called the International League T20. This is because unlike most of the other T20 leagues, each playing XI can have nine overseas players in this league. Hence, it is almost inevitable that each team will have a skipper from one of the foreign countries. However, with the competition for a spot in the cricketing calendar, franchises could opt for names who have less burden of international cricket. Sometimes, tapping a specific follower base could also be on a team’s agenda. On that note, here is the list of five players who could captain a team in the UAE T20 League.

1) Kieron Pollard 

The West Indian all-rounder recently retired from international cricket. However, he has confirmed that he would be an active part of the T20 Leagues. Since he has experience with captaincy, he is likely to be an automatic pick for any franchise.

Along with captaincy, Pollard adds value with his lower-order hitting. On a few occasions, he would also turn up with the ball. Of course, he is one of the safest hands in the game. Therefore, signing him would tick multiple boxes for the UAE T20 League franchises.

2) Eoin Morgan 

Eoin Morgan is one of the players who could captain a team in the UAE T20 League. The former English skipper recently announced his retirement from international cricket. He is currently a part of the 2022 edition of ECB’s Hundred.

With his experience, Morgan would be in the running to captain a side. He is also a left-handed middle-order batter, a position that’s difficult to fill in the current market. Therefore, Morgan will be a fine pick for any side that hires him.

3) Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan is arguably the best spinner in the T20 cricket rate right now. He is also adding value with his abilities in the lower order. The Afghan has captained his country and has experience with this responsibility. In Hardik Pandya’s absence, Rashid also led Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022.

Since Rashid is most likely to be available for most T20 leagues, he would be a good pick as a captaincy choice. While he would be terrific hiring as a player alone, a few teams could also take a punt on his captaincy. If it comes off, it would be a solid base for the future.

4) Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis is also one of the players who could captain a team in the UAE T20 League. The South African cricketer was named as Royal Challengers Bangalore’s captain for the same reason. He actually did well in IPL 2022 with the responsibility.

Now that he is devoid of international commitments, he is a sort of a free agent. That said, if Cricket South Africa’s T20 League happens around the same time, Faf could play in his home nation and not in UAE.

5) Mohammad Rizwan

It is inevitable that Pakistan players would be a part of the UAE T20 League. For the league’s popularity, as well, a few Pakistan cricketers have to be a part of the competition. It is doubtful if the Indian owners might hire them but there are other franchises that could be interested in them.

While it is unlikely that players of the stature of Babar Azam could play, it won’t be a surprise if Rizwan turns up. In fact, he would be a suitable captaincy choice with his experience. He is also a wicket-keeper, which further lends balance to the squad. While cricketing reasons justify his selection, from the perspective of the growth of the team’s brand also, the Pakistan cricketer could be a reliable investment.

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