TimesofIndia.com in Dubai: Legendary India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has lauded the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and ILT20 for giving alternatives to gamers from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia within the fourth version of the event, and has additionally picked Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as favourites to elevate the trophy.“Clearly, that is the fourth 12 months of the event. Yearly, this event brings new expectations. This 12 months is even higher as a result of among the gamers are from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,” Harbhajan Singh informed reporters on the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the place Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have been taking part in Sharjah Warriors.

“Cricket is spreading in every single place. The UAE Cricket Board has completed an excellent job. Not solely UAE gamers but additionally gamers from different neighbouring nations come right here to play. They get an opportunity to play with massive gamers. It is an excellent alternative for them.“Nicely completed to ILT20 for giving alternatives to a bigger viewers who need to play the place cricket isn’t that massive in different nations. However as cricket spreads, I hope good gamers from different nations may also come right here.”The previous India cricketer additionally praised his former teammates who’re taking part in within the ILT20. Dinesh Karthik, the most important identify on this roster, is taking part in for Sharjah Warriors as their keeper-batter. Former India Below-19 captain and present USA participant Unmukt Chand is popping out for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Piyush Chawla can also be taking part in for the Knight Riders.“It is pretty to see among the Indian gamers right here this 12 months — Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla. Earlier than that, Yusuf performed and Robin Uthappa additionally performed for a season. Gamers who’ve simply retired are coming right here to play,” he stated.Harbhajan picked Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as his favourites, calling them the group to beat on this event.“After in the present day’s match, I feel Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have made a really strong group. They performed very effectively. They scored 233 runs. In Sharjah we usually see 160-170 runs, however that is unbelievable. I really feel Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are the group to beat on this event,” he stated.“I’m trying ahead to this event as at all times. Dubai is a good place not only for folks to return over however for cricketers additionally to play cricket, and for us to be a part of ILT20. It is my fourth 12 months right here. It is pretty to be right here once more. All of the groups are robust, however I really feel Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are trying very robust.”