India cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been named chief guest of honour for the newly launched Gulf Premier League (GPL) and will visit the UAE next month to show his support for the tournament.

The 42-year-old, who retired from the game in November 2013, will attend the final and hand out the winning trophy to the champions on Friday October 16 at Dubai’s ICC Academy.

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The “Little Master” broke a number of records during his 24-year career becoming the only batsman to score 100 international centuries and is still the game’s highest international run-scorer. 

GPL media adviser Balaji Narayan is delighted to have Tendulkar on board.

“There are just no words to describe how great this opportunity is in having one of the greatest legends of the game attending the Gulf Premier League as its chief guest of honour,” he said.

“He’s a real cricket legend who set so many records during his illustrious career. For him to be in Dubai is great and we are thankful that he will take time out to be with us. His presence will have a big boost on the cricketers who are participating.”

Four UAE-based teams – Nafis Hurricanes, Northern Shine, Khushi Super Kings and Royal Hawks will be vying for glory in the tournament which also features clubs from Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Group stage matches are 10-overs, while semi-finals and the final are 15 and 20-overs respectively.