Jason Holder says ILT20 can give UAE players platform to showcase talents

Jason Holder will represent the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Season 3 of the DP World ILT20. Photo: ILT20

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.