The eight teams of Abu Dhabi T10, the fastest format of cricket, have made their picks, and the road to another exciting season is officially underway with the players draft for 2023 coming to a close on Monday evening.

It was a fantastic evening that saw some exciting picks, with former Sri Lanka Captain Kusal Mendis and India heavy hitter Robin Uthappa being the Bangla Tigers’ prominent signings. Strategically, the Tigers also bolstered their pace attack with Reece Topley.

The Chennai Braves went for veteran spinner Imran Tahir who has been showcasing unbelievable skills across various leagues for the past several years.

The defending Champions Deccan Gladiators made bold moves straightaway, packing their squad with Sherfane Rutherford and Fabian Allen. Picking David Wiese as their first optional pick, Gladiators showcased their intentions of bringing on all-rounders among their ranks.

Delhi Bulls picked up the popular fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq along with the rising Sri Lankan youngster Dunith Wellalage, who has been predicted to be an unexpected trump card by cricket pundits, being a massive signing for the franchise.

Morrisville Samp Army had their plans well laid out as they brought on young England allrounder George Garton and Netherlands fast bowler Bas de Leede. With Monank Patel and Obus Pienaar as their optional picks, Morrisville showed that they are relying on youth in the shortest format.

New York Strikers picked Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Odean Smith in their team, along with youngster Lasith Croospule as their Emerging player. Northern Warriors made the first draft pick of the day with Kiwi batting-allrounder Colin Munro who has growing among the ranks in the T20 format recently. Warriors also picked Indian talent Ankur Sangwan and Abhimanyu Mithun.

Team Abu Dhabi packed powerhouses Dwaine Pretorius and Colin Ingram on their squads, while Keemo Paul was also picked up by Team Abu Dhabi.

The pre-signed players by the teams feature former Indian superstars Ambati Rayudu, and Yusuf Pathan. While Bangla Tigers roped in the explosive all-rounder Pathan, Delhi Bulls have signed on the ever-dynamic batter Rayudu.

Speaking on competing in the upcoming edition of Abu Dhabi T10, Pathan said, “The 10-over format is exciting and hence, I am always delighted to be a part of the league. My aim is to entertain the fans and help my team win the trophy this season.”

Among the retention for the new season, the 2022 title winners Deccan Gladiators have kept hold of the powerhouse Nicholas Pooran.

The left-handed batter was the leading run-scorer of the previous season as he smashed 345 runs in 10 games at an average of 49.29 and a whopping strike rate of 234.69. Pooran also smashed 25 sixes, the maximum by any player last season. Meanwhile, The Chennai Braves retained Captain Sikandar Raza, who has been a symbol of consistency over the years.

Raza said ahead of the players’ draft: “It is good to be back for another thrilling edition of Abu Dhabi T10. The tournament has become even fiercer now as players and franchises know what it takes to win. We will hope we can go all the way this year and lay our hands on the beautiful trophy.”

Fan favourite Pakistan pacer Hassan Ali has also been pre-signed by the Chennai Braves. The defending champions have also brought on kiwi speedster Trent Boult on board, while Morrisville Samp Army have roped in the services of former South Africa Captain Faf du Plessis, among other new names.

The runners-up of last season, New York Strikers retained former West Indies Captain Kieron Pollard, while Morrisville Samp Army kept hold of Moeen Ali. Team Abu Dhabi have kept the game-changers Philip Salt and Alex Hales in their squad for season.

Northern Warriors made a strategic move with retention of all-rounder and T20 specialist Wanindu Hasaranga, while Bangla Tigers retained veteran Shakib al Hasan to bolster experience among their ranks. Delhi Bulls kept hold of dynamic West India all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who will once again be a key player for them this season.