ILT20: Marcus Stoinis set for UAE return after joining Sharjah Warriors

Australia all-rounder expected to join league's debut campaign after BBL concludes

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 03: Marcus Stoinis of the Stars bats during the Men's Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Stars and the Melbourne Renegades at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on January 03, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock / Getty Images)

Marcus Stoinis, left, and Trent Boult of Melbourne Stars celebrate the wicket of Aaron Finch of the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League. Getty

Adam Zampa, Marcus Stoinis and Beau Webster of Melbourne Stars celebrate the wicket of Martin Guptill of Melbourne Renegades. Getty

Marcus Stoinis of Melbourne Stars bats in the Big Bash League match against Adelaide Strikers. Getty

Marcus Stoinis of Melbourne Stars bowls in the Big Bash League match against Perth Scorchers. Getty

Marcus Stoinis of Melbourne Stars bats against Perth Scorchers. Getty

Marcus Stoinis of Melbourne Stars celebrates taking a wicket against Perth Scorchers. Getty

Sharjah Warriors have announced the signing of Marcus Stoinis, the Australia all-rounder, for their maiden International League T20 campaign.

The UAE's first home-owned 20-over franchise competition will begin in Dubai on Friday, January 13.

The start of the competition coincides with the ongoing Big Bash League in Australia, where Stoinis is playing for Melbourne Stars.

The Stars' last regular-season match is scheduled for January 25. They are currently last in the BBL table, having won two of their seven matches.

When he does make it to the UAE for the ILT20, Stoinis will be returning to a country where he has happy memories of playing in recent times.

He was a key figure when Delhi Capitals were runners up in the 2020 Indian Premier League, which was held in the Emirates because of Covid-19.

And, a year later, he was one of Australia's leading players when they won the T20 World Cup for the first time at the Dubai International Stadium.

“It’s a massive opportunity for me personally to notch up some crucial playing time at a tournament like this in the UAE ahead of a busy year that’s going to be full of cricket," Stoinis was quoted as saying.

"I just can’t wait to team up with some of the world’s best all-rounders in the Sharjah Warriors squad."

He has been added to a Warriors squad that includes five other players with T20 World Cup winner's medals: Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan, Evin Lewis and Chris Woakes.