Virender Sehwag expects to turn on the heat for his new Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kings XI Punjab when the upcoming season begins in the UAE from April 16.

The swashbuckling former India opener has been picked up by the Chandigarh-based team, and will take on the perennial favourites, the Mahendra Singh Dhoniled Chennai Super Kings, in their opening encounter at Zayed Cricket Stadium on April 18.

The 35-year-old, who is in the country as part of the MCC XI team which took part in the Emirates Airline Twenty20 on Friday, welcomed the decision of the BCCI to host IPL matches in the UAE, and also complimented the national side for qualifying for the ongoing ICC World T20 and the World Cup next year in Australia.

“I am more excited about the IPL this year because I am playing for a different team. I am part of Kings XI Punjab this year. It’s going to be a new venue and a new experience,” said Sehwag, who had only previously represented Delhi Daredevils.

“I am very happy that the IPL is being played in the UAE this year. I am looking forward to it because it’s been a long time since I played here.

"I have only ever played only one match in the UAE, in Abu Dhabi in 2006 against Pakistan and if you ask me, the only problem I can see is the heat. I am sure it will become quite hot by mid-April.” 

Sehwag, one of only four batsmen in the history of the game to score two triple centuries in Test cricket, also praised the performance of the UAE national side who have taken great strides on the international stage. 

“It’s good to see the UAE team qualifying for the World T20 and the World Cup next year. There are a lot of Indians and Pakistanis in the UAE team, and I hope they can make a name for themselves. It’s good for cricket.”