"DP World ILT20 is helping spread the game around the world,” says Shoaib Malik
Former Pakistan captain and DP World ILT20 commentator opines that the league’s unique squad composition that allows as many as nine overseas players is enhancing competition and increasing cricket’s global impact
Dubai, 23 December 2025: Former Pakistan captain and DP World ILT20 commentator Shoaib Malik underlined the league’s growing influence, and the increasing impact of Associate Member nations and UAE players as clear signs of cricket’s widening global footprint.
Speaking about DP World ILT20’s unique squad composition rule during a media interaction, he said, “DP World ILT20 brings a lot of flair and has a very unique feature in allowing up to nine overseas players to play. The [ICC] Associate Member players and local talents are performing well against big international names and marking their presence. That sends a strong message that cricket is a growing sport. A few years ago, we only thought about 10-12 countries playing at the top level, but now even the T20 World Cup features 20 teams, which shows how rapidly the game is expanding.”
At the DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, each franchise secured the services of one player from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
On the league’s regional impact, Malik opined, “DP World ILT20 has taken a great initiative by involving players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia along with UAE. It’s a very positive sign for cricket in this region.”
The all-rounder with over 11,867 international runs and 218 wickets across formats highlighted how UAE bowlers have had a massive impact in Season 4. He singled out Dubai Capitals spinner Haider Ali and said, “Haider bowls with confidence against big names. Even when batters are well set, he shows composure and executes his plans perfectly.”
Notably, Haider Ali has picked up eight wickets in just as many games this season, with a stellar economy rate of 6.40.
Malik also heaped praise on Desert Vipers’ Khuzaima Tanveer and MI Emirates opener Muhammad Waseem, adding, “Khuzaima Tanveer has shown that he is a very good talent and has been among the leading wicket-takers [13 wickets] so far. Then there is UAE captain and MI Emirates opener Muhammad Waseem, who continues to perform whenever he gets the opportunity. These players are doing well, and I hope they carry this form into major international events.”
Reflecting on the UAE’s significance in his career, the 43-year-old recalled, “My international debut happened in Sharjah, and after 2009, when Pakistan played a lot of international cricket in this region, we enjoyed a lot of success here. I last played here during the 2021 T20 World Cup, and although we lost in the semi-finals, we still performed well. This is a place I always enjoy coming back to, and whenever I get the opportunity to spend time here, I never think twice.”
