Eoin Morgan has welcomed the news of an expanded T10 League, saying it’s proof that the format has a ‘bright future’.

Morgan led Kerala Kings to title glory in the inaugural competition last December which attracted six franchises. Bengal Tigers, Maratha Arabians, Pakhtoons, Punjabi Legends, Team Sri Lanka and Kerala were all part of the four-day event at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Following the success of the inaugural edition, two more teams have been added to the roster when the tournament returns to the Emirate this December.

Morgan says a bigger tournament can only be a good thing for players.

“I think demand of more teams underlines the growth of the tournament,” said the 31-year-old during the inauguration of the RNS Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, part of Mulk Healthcare Enterprises which is owned by Kerala Kings chief Dr Shafi Ul Mulk, on Monday.

“The success the tournament has shown last year through all of the feedback we had from the players and the public is something that is exciting. That’s a very good sign and points to a bright future for T10 cricket.”

After joining his Karachi Kings’ team-mates last week, Morgan will travel back to the UK after the team’s Pakistan Super League Eliminator against Islamabad United on Sunday.

Three of the four remaining matches are set to be held in Lahore and Karachi this week and the England ODI and T20 captain has refused to travel to Pakistan, saying the decision is purely down to family reasons.

“I’m going home to see my family,” he said. “I haven’t been home since November and since I got drafted, that has always been the plan.”

He joins a number of key foreigners including Kevin Pietersen to not make the trip. However, he lauded the Pakistan Cricket Board’s efforts in bringing high-profile cricket back to Pakistan.

“Gradually more fixtures are being announced,” he said. “The West Indies have said that they will be playing three T20 matches, so gradually more and more cricket is being played there. I think if the preparation and everything goes well, then it will be fine.”