Maratha Arabians have announced that West Indies’ talismanic all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has been drafted into the squad for the upcoming Heera T10 Cricket League.

Bravo will replace Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, with the 40-year-old pulling out for personal reasons.

Maratha Arabians, co-owned by Parvez Khan of Pacific Ventures, Bollywood Actor/Producer/Director Sohail Khan and Ali Tumbi of Aqua Properties, will do battle against some of the world’s best known cricketers in the six-team tournament from December 14-17 in Sharjah.

Legendary India opener Virender Sehwag is the icon and captain of the franchise, leading a side featuring a number of stars including Mohammad Amir and Kamran Akmal.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram is the head coach and mentor of the squad with former England and Scotland cricketer Dougie Brown supporting him as the assistant coach.

The squad consists of players from nine countries including India, England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South Africa, Netherlands and the UAE.

The tournament is being staged under the aegis of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), with official approval of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Speaking about the inclusion of Bravo, Sehwag said: “It is a disappointment that Kumar will not be with us during the tournament. He is an invaluable asset for any side. We are equally fortunate to have a top-class all-rounder like Dwayne Bravo replace Kumar.”

Head Coach and mentor Akram added: “We are fortunate that we are able to replace an outstanding cricketer like Kumar with someone like Dwayne Bravo. Dwayne is one of the genuine all-rounders in limited-overs cricket who has really made a mark for himself. I am sure that Dwayne will add a lot of value to the side. We welcome him into the franchise with a lot of excitement.”

Squad: Virender Sehwag (captain/icon/India), Dwayne Bravo (West Indies), Mohammad Amir (Pakistan), Alex Hales (England), Lendl Simmons (West Indies), Imad Wasim (Pakistan), Krishmar Santokie (West Indies), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), Roelof van der Merwe (Netherlands), Kamran Akmal (Pakistan), Mohammad Sami (Pakistan), Hardus Viljoen (South Africa), Ross Whiteley (England), Shaiman Anwar (UAE), Zahoor Khan (UAE); Head Coach and Mentor: Wasim Akram; Assistant coach: Dougie Brown; Manager: Abdul Latif Khan 

SCHEDULE OF T10 CRICKET LEAGUE
(All matches to be played in Sharjah)

December 14

Opening Ceremony – from 6pm

Bengal Tigers v Kerala Kings

Maratha Arabians v Pakhtoons

December 15

Bengal Tigers v Punjabi Legends  – from 4pm

Maratha Arabians v Team Sri Lanka – from 6pm

Punjab Legends v Kerala Kings – from 8pm

Pakhtoons v Team Sri Lanka – from 10pm

December 16

Team 1 of Group A v Team 3 of Group B – from 4pm

Team 3 of Group A v Team 1 of Group B – from 6pm

Team 2 of Group A v Team 2 of Group B – from 8pm

Bottom 2 Teams of both the groups combined will play off for the 5th and 6th place – from 10pm

December 17

First semi-final: – Team 1 overall v Team 4 overall – match starting at 5.30pm

Second semi-final: – Team 2 overall v Team 3 overall – following conclusion of first semi-final

Final

Followed by closing ceremony