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NEW DELHI: Pakistan bowling legend Wasim Akram has expressed his admiration for the ILT20, calling it an exciting and competitive tournament. The former Pakistan captain praised the league’s high-quality cricket and vibrant atmosphere, stating that he loves attending the event. Akram also revealed his favorite team in the tournament — Desert Vipers — highlighting their balanced squad and impressive performances.
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As the battlelines are drawn for the ILT20 Season 3 finale in Dubai, Vipers became the first team to secure a play-off spot with dominant performances in both batting and bowling.
Defending champions MI Emirates followed closely, finishing second in the points table. Sharjah Warriors and Dubai Capitals sealed the final two play-off berths after emphatic wins on Super Sunday, fueled by passionate crowd support in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Highlighting the intense competition in the league, Akram expressed his admiration for ILT20. “I love coming here for the ILT20. I have thoroughly enjoyed being here as a commentator and witnessing fresh talent emerge from this league,” he said.
“Until yesterday, only one team was confirmed for the playoffs, which speaks volumes about the quality of competition and the consistency of the pitches. Five teams were still in contention for a top-four finish, making it an exciting tournament.”
Vipers, with seven wins from nine matches, have been in sensational form this season, making a strong comeback after a disappointing campaign last year.
Akram revealed his support for the Vipers, explaining, “Desert Vipers are my favorite team, and not just because they are table-toppers. They had three Pakistani players in their squad, and we saw some promising performances from them. Though Azam Khan is yet to fire, there’s still time for him to step up with a match-winning fifty.”
Beyond the competition, Akram believes ILT20 provides a golden platform for UAE players to learn from international stars. He praised emerging local talents like Muhammad Waseem, Aayan Afzal Khan, and Muhammad Rohid for their impressive performances.
“Waseem has been a consistent opener, while Rohid has been doing well as a fast bowler. Aayan played a crucial role, hitting a six to win a game for his team. He has been a valuable all-rounder this season,” Akram noted.
Looking ahead, Akram urged UAE players to capitalize on this exposure. “Spending over a month with some of the best players in the world is a huge learning opportunity. They should focus on their mindset, training, and even their diet. The vision behind ILT20 is to groom future UAE stars, and we are seeing that happen. Now, it’s time for UAE to rise as a top-performing Associate nation,” he concluded.
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