Lalchand Rajput lauds DP World ILT20 for building depth in UAE cricket | Exclusive

The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is all set to return for its fifth edition, with teams having already finalised their squads and combinations. UAE players are expected to play a central role in their respective franchises' plans.

The league has played a significant role in the development of local talent in the UAE, providing players with a platform to showcase their abilities and earn recognition on the international stage. UAE men's team head coach Lalchand Rajput believes the competition gives young cricketers the opportunity to interact with global superstars and learn the finer aspects of the game from them.

"See, the ILT20 has definitely helped UAE cricket," Rajput said in the latest episode of the Mr Cricket UAE podcast. "When local UAE players rub shoulders with international players, they get to see their work ethic firsthand. They learn how these players prepare for matches, how much emphasis they place on fitness and fielding, and what routines they follow for batting and bowling. Being in the same dressing room also gives them an opportunity to interact regularly. And when you interact, you learn a lot."

Rajput added that the advent of the DP World ILT20 has significantly improved the depth of talent available in the UAE and helped build a stronger bench for the national team.

"That is why, if you look at our players today, they are really coming through. Earlier, we used to struggle to find 15 players, and only seven or eight of them would consistently be ready to play. But now I have a pool of 30 to 40 players because we have built strong bench strength. If one player is unavailable or injured, there are others ready to step in because they are working hard and performing well. Once your bench strength is strong, your national team becomes strong as well," added Rajput.