Cricket legends Shane Warne and Michael Vaughan expressed their delight at the opportunity to play alongside golfing superstars in the second installment of Ryder Cup-style event ‘The Icons Cup’ next year.
The new star-studded ‘Icons of Cricket 2016’ tournament will take place at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club from October 19-21, 2016 and feature many of the greatest cricketers to have ever graced the game.
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Leg-spin legend Warne and England’s most successful ever Test captain Vaughan were unveiled as vice-captains of the Australia and Rest of the World teams at the Sofitel Hotel promotional launch in Downtown Dubai on Tuesday.
Two – as yet unconfirmed professional golfers – will lead both legendary line-ups alongside other cricket stars such as Ricky Ponting and Allan Border for the Baggy Green while Brian Lara and Wasim Akram will take to the course for the ROTW.
The event, organised by Iconique, builds on the inaugural event’s roster of famous talent which featured Darren Clarke, Fred Couples, Oscar De La Hoya and Luis Figo.
Australia great Warne, who played in the Icons Cup earlier this year in the UAE and won two matches against boxer De La Hoya, said: “As a cricketer to come and play golf in a Ryder Cup-style event with some unbelievable captains and legends of the game, it’s going to be sensational. I’m really, really happy to be part of it.”
Vaughan, who captained England to 2005 Ashes glory, said: “We love playing sport. When you retire you kind of go searching for that buzz and that moment you know you can’t go on any longer on a cricket field, we all take up the game of golf. We all think we are Rory McIlroy or Jason Day. We all think we can hit it miles, we all think we can hold a putt under pressure. Well in a year’s time we’re find out.”
Visit www.iconique.com for more information on the event.