Dubai Capitals, the winners of the ILT20, will join the forthcoming Guyana Global Super League (GSL) in July. This tournament seeks to reinvent the idea of the Champions League T20 (CLT20) by bringing together top teams from various cricket leagues.
The GSL, an exclusive competition, held its first edition last December with Bangladesh’s Rangpur Riders clinching the inaugural title. They will return alongside the Hobart Hurricanes, Central Stags, and the host team, Guyana Amazon Warriors. This year’s addition of the Dubai Capitals promises to raise the calibre of the cricket on display.
The concept itself draws inspiration from the CLT20, a tournament that once brought top teams from major leagues into a global contest until it was halted in 2014. “If it creates value for cricket at a global stage, definitely we can look at it,” said Arun Dhumal, Chairman of the IPL, hinting at a possible revival.
Supported by national president Mohammad Irfan Ali and title sponsor ExxonMobil, the GSL aims to “enhance Guyana’s reputation on the world stage,” amid the country’s booming economy owing to its substantial oil reserves discovered a decade ago.
Chairman of the league, Clive Lloyd, expressed enthusiasm about the inclusion of Dubai Capitals. “Their reputation as ILT20 champions speaks volumes, and their inclusion will undoubtedly enhance the quality and spectacle of the cricket on offer,” he commented.
Owned by India’s GMR Group, who are stakeholders in the IPL’s Delhi Capitals, Dubai Capitals secured their first major victory by defeating Desert Vipers earlier this year. Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR’s sports division, noted, “The Guyana Global Super League represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase top-tier cricket and foster global connections, and we’re extremely proud to be part of it.”
The GSL will take place from 10th to 18th July, featuring a single round-robin format with five teams, culminating in a final at Providence Stadium, where all 11 matches will be held.
Authored by Matt Roller, assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. @mroller98
