Dwayne Bravo, the Maratha Arabians captain, and teammate James Faulkner have backed T10 cricket to become a global phenomenon.
Organisers this week told ESPNcricinfo of plans to hold two tournaments in 2019, with one outside of the league’s current base in UAE. Chairman Shaji Ul Mulk confirmed talks are underway with three international boards over taking T10 abroad. Two of the league’s star names backing these ambitions will delight the league’s owner.
“I think it will grow. I think other countries and leagues around the world will buy into it because it’s just like T20 cricket,” said Bravo, who has experienced both T10 editions. “No-one really trusted T20 when it first came about and it’s the hottest topic now. T10 has the potential to do the same. I think it’s just a matter of time before it reaches different countries around the world.”
Faulkner agrees with his captain, and believes the league has reached a take-off point. “It’ll be interesting to see where it is in three years” he said. “I think it’s going to take off, that’s my personal opinion on it. Sspeaking to other players I think it will. It’s short, it’s exciting for the fans and the players as well. I think you’ll see it developing all around the world pretty soon, pretty quickly.”
Faulkner also believes T10 becoming the fourth format internationally is still a while away, but expects to see leagues pop up all over the world in the coming years.
“I think that’s where it will go [T10 leagues around the world]. Players obviously love the format so far and also the spectators as well,” he said. “You want something quick like T20 that fans can come and watch. With T10, you can play a couple of double-headers like we have here and really engage the crowds and also four different teams and their fans as well.
“I wouldn’t be surprised [if T10 became an international sport]. I don’t think it’s going to happen too quickly but I think you’ll see other leagues in the next couple of years. I think we’re all interested to see where it is in five, ten or fifteen years.”
Source | espncricinfo Nov 28, 2018
