Dwayne Bravo signed to Maratha Arabians in Heera T10 League

9 December, Dubai: Maratha Arabians on Saturday 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 in the squad. Sangakkara pulled out of the squad 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 battle against some of the world’s best known cricketers in the six-team tournament from 14-17 December.

Legendary India Opener Virender Sehwag is the icon and captain of the franchise.

Sehwag leads a squad featuring a number of stars including Mohammed Amir and Kamran Akmal. Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram is the head coach and mentor of the squad with former England/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 United Arab Emirates (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 said: “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.”

Maratha Arabians Co-owner Parvez Khan said: “Wasimbhai and Viru are working together to come up with an effective strategy. I am sure Dwayne will fit into the scheme of things very well. He comes with loads of experience and adds value to any side that he plays in.”

Squad: Virender Sehwag (captain/icon/India), Dwayne Bravo (West Indies), Mohammed Amir (Pakistan), Alex Hales (England), Lendl Simmons (West Indies), Imad Wasim (Pakistan), Krishmar Santokie (West Indies), Rilee Rousouw (South Africa), Roelof van der Merwe (Netherlands), Kamran Akmal (Pakistan), Mohammed 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