ILT20: Jonny Bairstow, Andre Russell feature in star-studded Abu Dhabi Knight Riders squad

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR), on Tuesday, August 16, named their squad for the inaugural edition of the International League T20 (ILT20).

Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, who have both played for the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), have extended their partnership with the Knight Riders franchise.

England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow, who is among the leading run-scorers in 2022, is also a part of the ADKR. Paul Stirling, who is among Ireland’s leading run-scorers in international cricket, will also be plying his trade with the Abu Dhabi franchise.

Akeal Hosein, Seekkuge Prasanna, Ravi Rampaul and Ali Khan have also been part of TKR in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The squad also includes left-handed batter Charith Asalanka, who was among Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorers in the T20 World Cup 2021.

#ADKR Squad Announcement:
Meet the Knights for the inaugural #ILT20 season #KnightRiders@ILT20Official @EmiratesCricket pic.twitter.com/rOdAub8LYJ

— Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (@ADKRiders) August 16, 2022

“Firstly, it’s great to see that our global footprint continues to grow in line with our vision and strategy. KKR in IPL, TKR in CPL and now ADKR in the ILT20,” Venky Mysore, the Knight Riders CEO, was quoted as saying.

“It’s also terrific that we have our mainstays Sunil Narine and Andre Russell as part of ADKR. We are really delighted that Jonny Bairstow joins the Knight Riders family and will no doubt play a huge part in ADKR’s journey in ILT20. We are also delighted that Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Ali Khan, Colin Ingram and Seekuge Prasanna , who have been part of TKR before, are also a part of ADKR,” he stated.

“A big welcome to Paul Stirling, Charith Asalanka, Kennar Lewis, Lahiru Kumara, Raymon Reifer and Brandon Glover to the Knight Riders family. The ILT20 promises to be an exciting tournament and we are looking forward to very competitive games and a lot of entertainment,” the CEO added.

In the meantime, the local players from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be picked in the draft.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders squad

Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Jonny Bairstow, Paul Stirling, Lahiru Kumara, Charith Asalanka, Colin Ingram, Akeal Hosein, Seekkuge Prasanna, Ravi Rampaul, Raymon Reifer, Kennar Lewis, Ali Khan, Brandon Glover

— ENDS —