If you’re disappointed there will be no top-class Twenty20 cricket in the UAE now that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is over, then you’re mistaken.

While the likes of Glenn Maxwell, David Miller and Dwayne Smith were smashing the boundaries, some of Pakistan’s former and current players as well as UAE domestic cricketers and Ryan Hinds of West Indies and Charles Coventry of Zimbabwe, have been playing in the Superstars T20 competition in Dubai.

Classed as the biggest domestic competition in the UAE, spectators can watch matches free of charge at the Fairground Oval situated in Dubai Academic City.

Now in its second edition, 16 franchises from UAE, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India are already halfway through the competition with the quarter-final knockout stages to begin from Saturday, May 10 with the final scheduled seven days later.

Matches are sometimes played daily or every two or three days, with weekday games beginning at 19:30, while the double-header on a weekends begins at 16:30.

With Pakistani players absent from the IPL, they have plied their trade in the Superstars competition – won by Wings Ahmedabad last year – which along with the upcoming domestic players in the UAE, has been a success so far.

“There are international Pakistani players here including Kamran Akmal (wicketkeeper) and Khurram Manzoor (Test opener) playing, Afghan players and UAE internationals,” says Rahul Dalwale, Superstars manager.

“At domestic level, there is some of the best talent that is emerging here, some very young players who have played at Under-19 and learning their trade in first-class games. If you are associated with the UAE domestic cricket and know some of the names, then they are playing in this T20 Superstars.”

And the matches are played at a venue that is easily assessible for the spectators, with plenty of space for children to play.

“At the Fairground Oval when people come to the venue, it’s a very English village-like setting. It’s a beautiful ground and although there are no custom-built stands, there’s a lot of grass area outside the boundaries where people can sit and children can play other sports,” says Dalwale.

“Overall the atmosphere is like an English county game and not like an international stadium like in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. There is ample parking, so that is not an issue. Plus, the spectators will have free access to the players (after the match) and some don’t mind opting to sign for autographs and pose for pictures.”

The matches so far have seen a “reasonable” attendance but Dalwale said there will be prizes available to win from quarter-finals onwards.

“The biggest challenge I faced on the UAE cricket circuit is to get the spectators to the ground. Thankfully, the people came in full force at last year’s final, and we had around 800 people watching the game. Because there are some Pakistani and Afghan players here we are expecting some big crowds who will be treated to some fantastic cricket.”

What: Superstars cricket T20
When: On-going until Saturday May 17 (fixtures on website and free admission).
Where: The Fairground Oval, Dubai Men’s College, Dubai Academic City
Contact: www.superstarst20.com