Denly and Sharafu visit school kids to drum up support for Sharjah Warriors - in pictures

Former England international Joe Denly meets students at the Indian International School in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Denly will be playing for Sharjah Warriors in the new International League T20. All images by Chris Whiteoak / The National

UAE cricketer Alishan Sharafu in action at the school.

UAE's Alishan Sharafu answers questions from students.

UAE's Alishan Sharafu signs a board at the school.

Joe Denly bowls at Alishan Sharafu.

Former England international Joe Denly meets students.

Sharjah Warriors cricketer Alishan Sharafu during the meet and greet session.

Joe Denly speaking at the school.

Former England international Joe Denly.

Sharjah Warriors' Alishan Sharafu meets the students.

Joe Denly, the former England opening batsman, and Alishan Sharafu attempted to win some support for their new International League T20 franchise with a meet and greet with students in Dubai.

The duo will be playing for Sharjah Warriors when the new 20-over competition begins in Dubai on Friday.

The six-team tournament includes three franchises who are owned by Indian Premier League franchises – Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

The remaining three – Desert Vipers, Gulf Giants and the Warriors – are having to attempt to build their own fanbases from scratch.

In the lead up to the tournament, Denly and Sharafu, who plays for the UAE national team, conducted a clinic for the pupils of the Indian International School in Dubai Silicon Oasis.