Working hard to give joy to my fans in Abu Dhabi T10, says Pathan
Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 29 2020: Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, who has scored 4,852 runs and taken 99 wickets in T20 cricket, is all set to feature in the Abu Dhabi T10, which is slated to be held at the UAE capital from November 19 2021. During a virtual media conference on Tuesday, Pathan expressed that he will look to give joy to his fans during the Abu Dhabi T10, “I am working hard to give some joy to my fans during the Abu Dhabi T10. The tournament is a good opportunity for me to play for my fans.”
When asked about his approach to the T10 format, the 38-year-old said, “My approach to T10 will be the same I have had for other formats. I will play my natural game. I’ll put my strategies in place according to the wicket in Abu Dhabi. We’ll need to score at a quicker rate in T10, so I am practicing accordingly. It’s important to adapt to the conditions as well.”
Pathan further added that the Abu Dhabi T10 will not only be about big hitting and boundaries, “T10 is just like any other format in cricket. One can’t just go out there and hit boundaries just because it’s a T10 game. One has to strategize which kinds of shots to play according to the situation in the T10 game as well. It’s very important for a player to handle pressure and adapt to the situation quickly.”
When asked if he is looking to bat at a particular batting position during the Abu Dhabi T10, Pathan said, “I have played at a number of batting positions during my career and I have always adapted to the team’s needs. The T10 format suits my game. However, my batting position will depend on the team’s strategies. I have always been open to batting at any position for the team.”
Yusuf Pathan, who has been part of the World T20-winning squad in 2007 and the 2011 World Cup-winning squad said that the Indian team can bounce back after their 10-wicket loss to Pakistan in their first match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday, “I don’t think it will be difficult for India to bounce back as our players have been playing good cricket. All the India players are hard working and they know how to handle pressure. We all should keep supporting the team and the players will definitely do well. We are not out of the tournament after one loss. India still have a chance to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and I hope that we win the T20 World Cup.”
Abu Dhabi T10 launched, owned and operated by T Ten Sports Management, having Abu Dhabi Cricket (ADC) as home to the thrilling series is the world’s only 10-over cricket tournament officially sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and licensed by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). It brings together over 120 of world cricket’s biggest names to compete in the game’s fastest format.
The fifth edition of this highly popular cricket spectacular will be held over 15 days from November 19-December 4, 2021 taking in the UAE’s 50th National Day weekend. Past Abu Dhabi T10 champions include the Kerala Kings, Maratha Arabians and Northern Warriors.