Abu Dhabi T10: Opening fixtures out, Shahid Afridi to lead Qalandars on November 15

Eighth team of tournament to be unveiled soon, player draft to take place on October 16

Shahid Afridi, right, will still turn out for the Qalandars this year in the revamped Abu Dhabi T10.

The opening fixtures of Abu Dhabi T10 have been announced with four new teams – Bangla Tigers, Deccan Gladiators, Delhi Bulls and Karnataka Tuskers – drawn in Group A.

Last year’s champions Northern Warriors are placed in Group B alongside Maratha Arabians, Qalandars and the yet to be announced Team 8.

Qalandars are set to make their debut on the opening day – November 15 – and will be led by Pakistan great Shahid Afridi. Northern Warriors will begin their title defence against Maratha Arabians on the same day.

Rebranded Delhi Bulls – formerly Bengal Tigers – start their new journey under World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan against Deccan Gladiators on the same day.

Newcomers Bangla Tigers and Karnataka Tuskers are set to clash on November 17.

Shaji Ul Mulk, chairman of Abu Dhabi T10, said: "As for Team 8, that’s just one of the big announcements we have in store over the next few weeks as we look forward to our ticket launch on Thursday and the player draft on October 16.”

Afridi said he was pleased to bring PSL outfit Qalandars into the world of T10. “It’s an honour to play for the Qalandars, who have earned a global reputation through their play in the Pakistan Super League and their development of homegrown players from Pakistan. We expect to reach new fans to continue to grow the game of cricket,” he said.

Afridi and Morgan are some of the big names set to lock horns the Zayed Cricket Stadium. Shane Watson, Chris Lynn, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Sunil Narine, Mohammad Nabi and Lasith Malinga are some of the other stars set to feature in the tournament.

Matthew Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket, said: “We have worked hard with our partners, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council to bring the Abu Dhabi T10 to local and global fans. There is huge anticipation for the tournament being hosted in Abu Dhabi and we can’t wait to welcome both players and fans next month.”