The Abu Dhabi T10 League is hoping to take another step to building a global brand with the appointment of Haroon Lorgat as its Director of Strategy and Development.
Lorgat brings with him a rich experience in cricket administration, having previously held the post of chief executive officer at the ICC as well as Cricket South Africa (CSA).
Following a four-year (2008-12) tenure as CEO of the ICC, Lorgat was appointed as a consultant by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and subsequently by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His stint as the CEO of Cricket South Africa between 2013 and 2017 is widely lauded, although his strained relationship with the BCCI did play its part in reduced revenues for the board.
Lorgat and CSA ‘mutually’ parted ways in 2017 amid troubles with the launch of the inaugural T20 Global League. The tournament would be launched a year later under a new brand called the Mzansi Super League.
His appointment comes at a crucial time for the Abu Dhabi T10 as the league prepares to hold its fourth edition in January, next year. With the COVID-19 pandemic leading to reduced revenues and sponsorships across the world of sport, Lorgat will have his hands full in growing the T10 brand.
Launched in 2017 as a six-team league, the T10 has been growing in popularity and stature in recent times. The league was subsequently expanded to eight teams and has seen the participation of huge cricket stars such as Yuvraj Singh, Eoin Morgan, Rashid Khan and Andre Russell.
It is officially sanctioned by the ICC and has been held annually ever since the inaugural edition. The fourth edition was initially slated to be held in November this year, but was pushed back to January, 2021 due to the ongoing Indian Premier League in the UAE.
“I am glad that Haroon Lorgat has accepted the challenge,” said Shaji Ul Mulk, Founder and Chairman of the T10 Sports Management.
“He will engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders to create multiple T10 League properties in both Full and Associate Member countries where cricket is a popular game.
“With him on board, we will chart an exciting development programme worldwide to popularise the game of cricket with this exciting new format.”
Big names have graced the T10 League over the years.
While the first two editions of the 10-over tournament were held in Sharjah, the league shifted base to Abu Dhabi last year. Over 100,000 spectators were reported to have witnessed the action in Abu Dhabi in 2019, while an estimated TV audience of more than 80 million is said to have tuned in on for the edition.
It is this promising base that Lorgat will look to build upon in what is his latest role in cricket administration.
“I witnessed T10 cricket for the first time last year and was amazed by its appeal and potential for advancement,” the South African said.
“The impressive growth of the Abu Dhabi T10 League has attracted global attention and it is now ready for expansion worldwide. I am delighted to join Abu Dhabi T10 and to play a part in growing the league and T10 cricket around the world.
“I will be keen to work closely with the ICC and its Member countries to promote the game and build on the foundation laid by Mr Shaji Ul Mulk and his team.”
The fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 is scheduled to take place from January 28 to February 6. The organisers and concerned parties plan to create a closed and bio-secure bubble around the players and support staff for the 10-day tournament.
A similar endeavor is currently being undertaken by the ongoing IPL in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. While no fans have been allowed into the stadiums for the IPL, the organisers of the T10 League are hoping for the situation to improve considerably by the time January rolls around.
Last year’s edition saw the likes of Eoin Morgan, Shahid Afridi, Shane Watson and Yuvraj Singh sign up as ‘icon’ players for the eight franchises. The T10 Sports Management is optimistic about attracting players of a similar calibre for the upcoming edition and hopes to add some even bigger names in cricket this time.
