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A nice happy day for the MI #OneFamily with two comfortable wins at Cape Town and in Abu Dhabi. Tom Banton, one of the architects of MI Emirates’ 26-run win over the Dubai Capitals, with his 52-ball 74, was at the post-match press conference sharing his thoughts. Excerpts..&nbsp;On acing the conditions tonightI felt like I live here (laughs). It is a good wicket tonight, I realized that early. I also realized I had to give myself a chance which I didn’t do the other night. We just spoke about taking it deep and keep rotating the strike, and put it away when the ball is in your area. It is still T20 cricket at the end of the day and you have to take risks. Some days you put it away and some days you don’t. But a good day for MI Emirates.&nbsp;Discussions while batting with PooranHe just said keep taking it deep. He spoke to me this morning and just said, ‘go do your thing’. I have played a lot of T20 cricket now and have a better understanding of how I want to approach my innings.&nbsp;Thoughts on the wicket on offerThe wicket was beautiful tonight. Probably one of the best I have played on in a long time. It’s been a good day and hopefully it continues.&nbsp;On the ILT20 and the different players playingIt’s great to get guys from all over the world come together. MI Emirates have had such a good team which is why they won last year. You meet new people, new culture, new experiences, you are learning all the time. The dressing room is good. I am new to it so I am a bit quiet at the moment. But everyone is very welcoming and it is a great franchise to play for.&nbsp;Whether Shai Hope’s century made the team nervousIt could have gone either way. Shai Hope played beautifully and he was unlucky to not be on the winning side. That (Fazalhaq) Farooqui over where he took two wickets and went for just one or two runs really changed the game. Everyone did really well.&nbsp;On the few missed catches on the field&nbsp;Sometimes the game fades away slightly. It is something we speak about and pride ourselves in. We are going to keep training hard and hopefully it changes.&nbsp;

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“Pooran told me this morning to ‘just do my thing’”: Tom Banton

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The 1-run heartbreak from the other night has successfully been avenged, in style. It’s courtesy a complete performance, with a good batting start, a solid target, a clinical bowling performance. Our 2025 campaign, in a déjà vu to 2024, is off and running. Let’s go over some big moments..&nbsp;The 109-run entertainment&nbsp;Tom Banton and skipper Nicholas Pooran were having their share of fun. Banton was the more measured of the two, happy to play a bit of a second fiddle, but still amassing a 52-ball 74. Nicky P was being Nicky P. He was on a rampage, with two fours and six sixes in his 29-ball knock of 59. Despite a slight late collapse, MI Emirates did well to get to 187/7 in their 20 overs.&nbsp;The Hope-filled show for the CapitalsIt was a chase of two halves for the Dubai Capitals. Shai Hope alone got 101 off 59 balls, smashing a wonderful century and at one point looking like taking the game away from us. The rest of the batters along with the extras could only get 60 off 61 balls. That’s where our bowlers were excellent right through, refusing to ease up on the pressure.&nbsp;The stuff of dreams – Farooqui and his yorkers&nbsp;The Capitals needed 51 runs to win off 24 balls. Seven wickets remained Enter Fazalhaq Farooqi. With two pin-point yorkers right at the base of off-stump, Sikandar Raza and Dasun Shanaka were sent packing, and MI Emirates firmly had the game in their kitty.&nbsp;Right then, we’re officially on track and among the points. Let’s keep bringing them home..

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MIEvDC report: Banton, Pooran, Farooqi put us on the winning train

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It’s the perfect fixture we could’ve asked for at this point. After travelling to Dubai and ending up on the wrong side of the result in the last-ball finish over the Capitals, we have the opportunity to fix things immediately. An opportunity to put the heartbreak behind us.&nbsp;We are in Abu Dhabi, welcoming the Dubai Capitals this time around. Result aside, the game last night was a proper thriller. It had everything, from top class bowling courtesy Fazalhaq Farooqi, to some serious counter-attacking from Nicholas Pooran, to a rearguard act by Akeal Hosein, to Kieron Pollard nearly, so very nearly, finishing it off in style. Let’s hope for something similar, only, with us being on the right side of the result at the end.&nbsp;What: MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals&nbsp;When: January 13, 2025 | 18:30 GST, 20:00 ISTWhere: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi&nbsp;What to expect: Another fair contest between bat and ball. With the temperatures on the lower side and the ball nipping around, expect our seamers to continue calling the shots.&nbsp;

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Match 2 | MIEvDC preview: An immediate return fixture! Let’s avenge the 1-run heartbreak

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The pain is real. A brilliant fifer in the opening game of the season, but a tough loss at the end. Fazalhaq Farooqi ended the match against the Dubai Capitals with mixed feelings. He came out to speak to the media in the post-match press conference, and spoke about his skills, his bowling plans, the conditions. Excerpts..&nbsp;On his brilliant bowling spellFirstly, I’d like to thank God. I had a good start to the tournament, but sadly we lost the game. We will come back strong. My target isn’t to only take wickets. I look at the wicket first and then look to attack the stumps accordingly. My plan was simple, to bowl as many dot balls as possible. I got success just doing that.&nbsp;On everyone backing Kieron Pollard to finish the game&nbsp;We were hoping for the same. Such is cricket, sometimes people don’t defend even 20 runs, sometimes they defend even six runs. But we will come back.&nbsp;On his bowling plans at the startWhen Akeal Hosein bowled the first over, I asked him if it was swinging, and he said yes. When I bowled the first ball, it swung, and then I just looked to keep it simple. I just looked to swing the ball.&nbsp;Thoughts on the target for MI Emirates at the halfway markI knew it wouldn’t be easy. The wicket wasn’t easy and even good batters in their side couldn’t score runs easily. I knew we could win the game if we played sensibly. Unfortunately, we lost four wickets in the powerplay.&nbsp;On playing in Abu DhabiThe conditions in January in the UAE tend to help swing bowlers. So my focus is just to look for support and back my skills to perform well for my team. &nbsp;

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“This is cricket…but we will come back strongly”: Farooqi on last-ball loss after brilliant spell

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Kieron Pollard couldn’t believe it. He just stood, stunned. MI Emirates, after a tough start, had fought back superbly to the chase under control, before the Capitals pulled it back a bit to leave it at six runs being needed off the final ball to win. Farhan Khan ran in, big Polly swung, hard, over mid-wicket like he usually does, and found the gap as well perfectly. Alas, the elevation wasn’t quite there, with the ball falling just short of the boundary ropes.&nbsp;Sadly, it slips awayIt's a tough loss to take. We really had the game in control with Nicholas Pooran and Pollard batting out there and the equation coming down to 19 runs being needed off 18 balls. Pooran them smashed a boundary off the Gulbadin Naib’s second ball in the 18th over to bring it under a-run-a-ball. But he fell next ball, Alzarri Joseph fell a couple of balls later, Olly Stone bowled a brilliant 19th over where he gave away just one run, leaving Polly too much to get in the final over. He tried, he fought, but it wasn’t to be.&nbsp;Nicky P leads the recovery in Nicky P styleHe walked in with the team in trouble at 17/3. It soon became 22/4. But he counter-attacked. Not only did he stick around, he did it with runs scored at a quick clip with a 40-ball 61. He found good company in Akeal Hosein, who was happy to play second fiddle. Together, they put MI Emirates in control and got the chase on track.&nbsp;Farooqi leads the parade!The match, and indeed the season, were off to a perfect start, with a maiden over bowled by Akeal. Fazalhaq Farooqi then took over, never allowed the Dubai Capitals’ batters to settle, and kept plugging away, ending up with stunning figures of 5/16, while keeping the Capitals down to 133 in their 20 overs.Don’t worry, folks. This is just the start. Remember, in 2024 as well, we lost our first game. Surely you don’t need reminding of what happened after that. While it might be a difficult pill to swallow, let’s quickly move on .. &nbsp;

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DCvMIE report: INCHES SHORT, LITERALLY!! Oh, a 1-run heartbreak! 

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It’s been a year already! We’ve held the trophy in our cabinet with pride, and we are all set to bring it back in 2025. Season three of the ILT20 has arrived and MI Emirates are here to defend the crown.&nbsp;2024 was a dream season. We went on a winning roll, were supremely clinical through the season, and just didn’t stop until we lifted the coveted silverware. Nicholas Pooran and Co. couldn’t be more motivated to repeat the heroics once again. A large part of last year’s core is still here this time along as well, along with some fresh new blood, making this ILT20 a delicious combo.&nbsp;We start off on the road, in Dubai, in the arena where we became Champions, with a repeat clash of last year’s Finale against the Dubai Capitals. There really could be no better way than giving all our fans a moment to rejoice that victory moment all over again, and kick off this year’s campaign in style.&nbsp;What: Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates &nbsp; When: January 11, 2025 | 18:30 GST, 20:00 IST Where: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai&nbsp; What to expect: Runs, runs, and more runs. This is the middle of the season in the UAE and pitches are expected to be fresh and good for stroke-making. We have the firepower. Let’s set the desert on fire, shall we!What they said: “He’s a big blow for us but we wish him the best for South Africa. The opportunity is there for the other players. There is the opportunity for Rohid, Zahoor and the other UAE guys and we hope they can step up,” – Nicholas Pooran on missing Trent Boult this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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ILT20 season 3 | DCvMIE preview: Let’s bring it home, once again! 

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A fresh season, a renewed and refreshed side, and our new exciting stripes!&nbsp;The Blue and Gold that the MI Emirates would don for the third season of the ILT20 has been launched, and boy, we cannot stop loving it. It’s the colour and the thread of defending champions. With under a month to go until action kicks off in the desert, this is the perfect Christmas present we needed.&nbsp;Habibi, it’s time to paint Abu Dhabi in the colours of MIE!

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Habibi, the MI Emirates 2025 JERSEY is here! 

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The defending ILT20 Champions have appointed Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson as the Bowling and Fielding Coaches ahead of the 2025 season.&nbsp;Mhambrey was recently appointed Mumbai Indians’ Bowling Coach for IPL 2025, and has been a long-standing member of the #OneFamily, winning IPL 2023 and two Champions League T20s with the team. He’s coming in on the back of the high of winning the T20 World Cup with the Indian Men’s team as the Bowling Coach.&nbsp;Hopkinson, also recently named MI Fielding Coach, comes in with a pool of experience, leading the fielding unit of the England men’s cricket team for the past seven years. He played an instrumental role in their triumphant ODI World Cup 2019 and T20 World Cup 2022 campaigns. “Hoppo” was also Three Lions’ Fielding Coach for the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2022, where they finished as the runners-up after reaching the final for the first time since 1998.They’ll be joining forces with Robin Singh and Vinay Kumar, who continue in their roles of the Head Coach and the Assistant Coach respectively.We bid goodbye to Mitchell McClenaghan and James Franklin, two loyal soldiers of the Mumbai Indians over the years, and wish them all the best. Thank you for all the memories in the desert!&nbsp;

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ANNOUNCED: Paras Mhambrey as Bowling Coach and Carl Hopkinson as Fielding Coach

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This was coming, we knew that, but it still feels weird. Dwayne Bravo, our Champion, having hung up his boots, won't be playing in the third edition of the ILT20.&nbsp;His slower dipping yorker, which after 20 years of being first seen, still remains one of the biggest unsolved mysteries for batters, and it will officially now remain unsolved. His big sixes, with the bat coming down off that massive backlift, won't enthrall cricketing fans all over the world. And neither will his acrobatic flying saves by the boundary.&nbsp;They'll go down in history with a trademark stamp of a Champion. The Champion that was DJ Bravo. Happy retirement!&nbsp;

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Thank you for all the memories, Champion DJ Bravo

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West Indian quick, one of the best bowlers in modern-day cricket, Alzarri Joseph is all set to join the MI Emirates setup for the 2025 season of the ILT20, where we are all set to go all guns to defend our title.&nbsp;Alzarri – an old member of the MI #OneFamily, having made his place in record books with his spell of 6/12 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2019 season of the IPL – is all set to join forces with his West Indian team-mates, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd and Andre Fletcher. With the likes of Mohammad Rohid and Fazalhaq Farooqi for company, our pace battery looks all set to conquer the desert.&nbsp;Welcome back to the Blue and Gold, Alzarri! Let’s break some records here too!&nbsp;

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FIRE ALERT!! Alzarri Joseph all set to join MI Emirates

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The final picks are done. The squad is set. Our title-defence is ready. The International League T20 season 3 Player Selection Process was held in Dubai on Wednesday (December 4), with each team picking up two UAE players in a Draft format.&nbsp;Let’s say hello to the newest members of the MI Emirates squad:Zahoor Khan: Well, first things first, he’s no newcomer. A veteran pacer and an MI Emirates pro over the last two seasons, he returns to the Blue and Gold, where he’s had many fond memories of bowling the tough overs and winning games for us. This Faisalabad-born, experienced warhorse has a bunch of tricks under his sleeve, and in 2017, bagged a haul of 6/34 in an ODI – the best bowling figures by an Emirati bowler.&nbsp;Aryan Lakra: UAE’s captain at the 2020 under-19 World Cup, he’s been earmarked as the future of UAE cricket. Born in Haryana, India, this spin-bowling all-rounder has made waves in the recent ILT20 Development Programme, marking a steady rise in his stocks. With the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard by his side, he’s all set for a steep learning curve!

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Veteran Zahoor Khan and young Aryan Lakra picked up at UAE Player Selections

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We are the reigning champions, and we are back to defend our crown! Season three is here, well, almost, and we can officially mark our calendars.&nbsp;The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is all set to play host to a repeat of the 2024 Final clash on January 11, 2025 between the Dubai Capitals and MI Emirates to kick the 2025 season off. We then move to our home, to the Skeikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi for the reverse fixture. In a format similar to last year, each team is set to play each other twice in the league, before the playoffs, and Dubai will play host to the grand finale, on Sunday, February 9.&nbsp;“We are set for a bigger and better edition of the DP World International League T20 as we unveil the schedule for Season 3 with the first ball to be bowled at our iconic Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, 11 January with the defending champions MI Emirates hosted by the Dubai Capitals in what would be a rematch of Season 2’s grand finale. Our six teams have gathered a line-up of world-class T20 stars besides the best of the UAE talent who will combine to provide rich entertainment to cricket fans during the 34-match tournament,” said David White, CEO, DP World ILT20.&nbsp;“The DP World ILT20’s glittering trophy is one of the most sought-after prizes in the cricket calendar and we expect fierce battle between the global superstars who will be giving it their all for their respective franchise."Here’s our full schedule:&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Home Team</td><td>Away Team</td><td>Date</td><td>Time (GST)</td></tr><tr><td>Dubai Capitals</td><td>MI Emirates</td><td>11 Jan 2025</td><td>6:00pm&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>MI Emirates</td><td>Dubai Capitals</td><td>13 Jan 2025</td><td>6:30pm</td></tr><tr><td>Desert Vipers</td><td>MI Emirates</td><td>16 Jan 2025</td><td>6:30pm</td></tr><tr><td>Sharjah Warriorz</td><td>MI Emirates</td><td>19 Jan 2025</td><td>2:00pm</td></tr><tr><td>AD Knight Riders</td><td>MI Emirates</td><td>21 Jan 2025</td><td>6:30pm</td></tr><tr><td>MI Emirates</td><td>AD Knight Riders</td><td>24 Jan 2025</td><td>6:30pm</td></tr><tr><td>MI Emirates</td><td>Gulf Giants</td><td>25 Jan 2025</td><td>6:00pm</td></tr><tr><td>MI Emirates</td><td>Desert Vipers</td><td>27 Jan 2025</td><td>6:30pm</td></tr><tr><td>Gulf Giants</td><td>MI Emirates</td><td>31 Jan 2025</td><td>6:30pm</td></tr><tr><td>MI Emirates</td><td>Sharjah Warriorz</td><td>2 Feb 2025</td><td>2:00pm</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Three iconic venues. Six iconic teams. Intense rivalries. One month of breakneck cricket in the desert. Bring it on! &nbsp;&nbsp;

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SCHEDULE IS LIVE! MI Emirates to kickstart ILT20 2025!!

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From the Caribbean, to England, to Afghanistan, to planting the cricketing flag in Italy, MI Emirates’ new signings are all set to add a variety of flavours to our squad. As we gear up to defend our crown, it’s time to meet the latest additions to our squad. Let’s welcome them into the Blue and Gold with all the song and dance. Habibi, welcome to Abu Dhabi..&nbsp;<ol><li>Romario Shepherd (West Indies): A big-hitting all-rounder, proven customer in franchise cricket, and an experienced member of our #OneFamily</li><li>Fareed Ahmad (Afghanistan): The wily old seamer with a bunch of variations coming back to conditions he’s played a lot of cricket in</li><li>Tom Banton (England): Long levers, long sixes, and a destructive young batter&nbsp;</li><li>Thomas Draca (Italy): An upcoming quick, out there to put Italy right on the cricketing map, coming off an impressive T20 season in Canada &nbsp;</li><li>Ben Charlesworth (England): A batting prodigy coming up the ranks in English cricket&nbsp;</li></ol>&nbsp;They will be joining our retained players from the 2024 season – Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Daniel Mousley, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Jordan Thompson, Kusal Perera, Rohit Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Nosthush Kenjige, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Waqar Salamkheil. The third season of the ILT20 is all set to begin on January 11, 2025, and the desert is all set to turn into a carnival!&nbsp;

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Meet MI Emirates’ five new signings for ILT20 2025

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We have news. With the six month countdown to the third season of the ILT20 having begun, aka the six month countdown to MI Emirates defending their crown, it’s time for the retention-release news.&nbsp;Fourteen of our players from the Champions squad of 2024 have been retained ahead of the next season. Nicholas Pooran, the star and leader on and off the field, along with the Blue and Gold legend in Kieron Pollard will continue leading us to bigger glories in 2025. BJ Bravo, with his wily deliveries, Akeal Hosein, with his super-accurate new ball stuff, and Andre Fletcher, with his destructive starts, will ensure the Caribbean flavor in the MI Emirates camp stays intact.&nbsp;As per the league rules, franchises had the option of retaining a maximum of two UAE players. There was no limit on the overseas retentions. Our hugely impressive local core of Muhammad Waseem and Muhammad Rohid, the young find of the previous ILT20 season, are all set to take their game up a notch further. There will be a Player Acquisition Window to sign new players. &nbsp;Full list of Retained Players:<ol><li>Kieron Pollard</li><li>Dwayne Bravo</li><li>Nicholas Pooran</li><li>Andre Fletcher&nbsp;</li><li>Jordan Thompson</li><li>Akeal Hosein</li><li>Kusal Perera</li><li>Viyaskanth Vijayakanth</li><li>Waqar Salamkheil</li><li>Nosthush Kenjige</li><li>Fazalhaq Farooqi</li><li>Muhammad Waseem</li><li>Muhammad Rohid</li><li>Daniel Mousley</li></ol>This also is an opportunity for us to thank the rest of the winning cast of 2024, who have been released for the next season. This includes the players who came in as replacements for during the season, and made sure the winning momentum never stopped. We wish them well for the future.&nbsp;Full list of Released Players:<ol><li>Ambati Rayudu</li><li>Asif Khan</li><li>Corey Anderson</li><li>Bhanuka Rajapaksa</li><li>Christopher Benjamin</li><li>McKenny Clarke</li><li>Monank Patel</li><li>Odean Smith</li><li>Trent Boult</li><li>Reece Topley</li><li>Tim David&nbsp;</li><li>Will Smeed</li><li>Zahoor Khan</li></ol>The third season of the ILT20 is all set to begin on 11 January, 2025, with the final set to be played on 9 February, 2025. Let's bring the cup back home, shall we?

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BREAKING: Pollard, Pooran, Bravo headline 14-player retained list for ILT20 2025

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It’s the perfect way to get into 2025, with some cricket, and the opportunity for us to defend our crown! The third season is here, and it’s time to start the party in the desert again, the one that ended in season 2 with the MI Emirates lifting the title in front of a packed house at the Dubai International Stadium.&nbsp;The 34-game extravaganza across the three grounds in the United Arab Emirates, will begin on Saturday, January 11, 2025, and will run on for nearly a month, with the final set to be played on Sunday, February 9, 2025.&nbsp;“We are delighted to confirm the window for DP World International League T20 Season 3. The window has been finalised after discussions with our stakeholders. We have begun our preparations for Season 3 with an aim of making the league even bigger and better,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.&nbsp;“Season 2 was a massive success in terms of all relevant metrics’ and helped further strengthen the league’s reputation, making it one of the most sought after T20 leagues for players, fans and broadcasters from around the world. Having considered all aspects, the January-February window for Season 3 has turned out to be the most suitable,” he added.&nbsp;“The DP World ILT20 is also proving to be a successful platform for the development of the UAE players as seen in their recent outstanding performance in the ACC Premier Cup in Oman which helped them qualify for the prestigious Asia Cup (2025, T20 format) for the first time in eight years. Most of the players who excelled in Oman had gained invaluable experience and exposure in Season 2. &nbsp;“The cricket fans in the UAE and those who travel to our wonderful destinations Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah from across the globe will have a lot to look forward to in Season 3. We have a series of exciting announcements lined-up as our six world-class franchises and their coaching staff put their heads together for retention of players while eyeing new local and international talent for Season 3 signings.”&nbsp;So mark your dates, and see you in the stadium, as MI Emirates go all out to make it two in a row!&nbsp;

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ILT20 SEASON 3 IS HERE! Mark the dates - 11 Jan 2025 to 9 Feb 2025

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It’s a beast of a trophy. And it’s ours. We aren’t done gushing over Nicholas Pooran. Here he is, at the post-match press conference, walking in with his toddler daughter, and answering a whole range of questions. In this last one month, he’s given us memories to last us a lifetime. Excerpts..First thoughts on winning the championshipThe guys have been brilliant. This journey started last year for us when we lost in the eliminator. We got some different personnel, but the core stuck through. You see (Muhammad) Waseem or (Mohammad) Rohid or Waqar (Salamkheil) taking that opportunity and becoming match-winners. From day one, the objective was to win.&nbsp;On playing a captain’s inningsIt’s always important being the captain. Regardless of if I am the captain or not, I see myself as a leader and want to lead from the front. But in a tournament like this, everyone has to step up.&nbsp;To whom would he dedicate this winJust to the MI franchise. They are the most successful cricket franchise. This is their tenth win. Regardless of whether they have a strong team or not, their target is to win. This win is dedicated to them. They are very passionate. Really happy we could be the ones winning it for them.&nbsp;On the six dropped catchesThat was just one of our strategies to win (laughs). But I don’t want to comment too much on it. Maybe we could have won the game by a bigger margin. But at the end of the day, we got home.&nbsp;Thoughts on stepping up on the big nightFor me, it is all about stepping up. I believe if you want something in life, you have to go get it. Yes, finals is pressure, MI is a big franchise. I have lost a lot of games in my career so far and have learnt a lot. I could convert 20s into 30s, 30s into match-winning innings. Especially being not out as well in some innings. It is a big box for me to tick. Happy that all the all the hard work I have put in over the years is showing rewards, especially winning titles because that is big for me.&nbsp;On losing the toss and having to bat firstWe always wanted to bat today and I said it at the toss. Actions speak louder than words. It is exactly how we wanted to play the game.&nbsp;On Muhammad Waseem’s stellar formI expect franchises to take notice. Yes, he is a UAE player but he is very good. He is very aggressive, he has a lot to offer. He is young. I expect him to continue to perform and improve.&nbsp;Whether nervousness crept inChasing 208 was always going to be difficult, and thankfully we have a lot of senior players in the team. Even when Sam Billings was batting superbly, Bravo came up and said, ‘let’s make him hit over mid-off. Hopefully he can chip it’. Really nice to see it come off. You can’t buy experience. These guys have been in that situation. Even for myself, I have been captain for West Indies. I have had bad days and have made bad decisions. At this point, I have learnt a lot. It has helped me make better cricketing decisions. When you have really good quality players, you cannot ask for anything else. Akeal was bowling 2-3 overs in the powerplay for 10 runs. My job was easy.&nbsp;Summing up the ILT20 tournamentWe really wanted this win, and we got it. From the management to the physios, coaches, everyone, owner, director, works hard. The tournament is challenging. We played a game in Dubai, drive down and play a game in Abu Dhabi the next day.&nbsp;On being a part of the MI #OneFamilyI have said it before, I am a son of the T20 format and franchise cricket. The Mumbai franchise are one of the best in the world. That level of professionalism here is a good opportunity for every young player to interact with the legends as well. I had this opportunity when I was 20 years old in the IPL to come to Mumbai Indians and I got the opportunity to interact with Mahela Jayawardene, Sachin Tendulkar. Really happy to be involved and winning is just the icing on the cake.&nbsp;On the backing of the senior playersThe support was really important. Getting all the senior players to buy in and trust me 100%. Lucky to have them as teammates. We are building a relationship where most of the times I make a decision and they try and execute that plan 100%. As a young captain, support is really key. Boult, Bravo giving me that respect helped me a lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“This one is for the MI Family. They are the best in the world”: Nicholas Pooran

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On the big night, at the biggest stage of them all, stand the champions – MI Emirates. After absolutely bossing the league stage in the second season of the ILT20, finishing on top of the points table, winning the first qualifier to ensure a direct entry into the final, and then totally bossing the big night, with a thumping win to cap off what has been an equally thumping campaign.&nbsp;CLT20 2011. IPL 2013. CLT20 2013. IPL 2015. IPL 2017. IPL 2019. IPL 2020. WPL 2023. MLC 2023. ILT20 2024.&nbsp;Let’s relive the big night!Another day, another massive opening standIf you were worried after a couple of quiet games where Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera weren’t quite hitting the sweet spot together, well, look no further. They stepped up to the task on the big night, and how! Waseem had a 24-ball 43 to his name, Perera a 26-ball 38, and together, MI Emirates had 77/0 in 6.3 overs. Proper carnage.&nbsp;Another final in the Blue and Gold, another Nicky P specialThe platform was set, and it was time for the explosion. And well, who better than our very own pocket dynamo, our skip, our leader, our man in form, Nicholas Pooran, to go berserk. With Andre Fletcher at the other end, they just went after everything, and Pooran finished with 57 off 27 balls with two fours and six sixes. MI Emirates had 208 on the board, and in all likelihood, the match in the bag.&nbsp;Another first over, another Akeal Hosein strikeHis inswingers have a fanbase of their own. And his strikes in the powerplay have been consistent all through the league. With the second ball, he trapped Dubai Capitals’ star from the previous innings, Leus du Plooy LBW. The Capitals just couldn’t recover. With the asking rate mounting and the rest of our bowlers striking regularly, the end was only a matter of time.&nbsp;Okay, here’s a fun fact: MI Emirates dropped at least half a dozen catches in the second innings, with the dew making fielding rather difficult. Still not for a second, did we look worried or under any pressure. That’s the sign of a team high on confidence. That’s the sign of a champion team. That’s what MI Emirates are tonight – CHAMPIONS OF ILT20 2024! &nbsp;

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MIEvDC Report: Make room for title #10 in the MI #OneFamily

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Habibi, it’s coming home! It’s title #10 in the Mumbai Indians #OneFamily! Our Blue is all set to get more Gold. The jinx of Dubai, the jinx of the Dubai Capitals who won both their league games against us, we’ve broken it all. Say it aloud, MI EMIRATES ARE THE ILT20 CHAMPIONS. Start the party. Start the celebrations.&nbsp;Another final of the Pooran madness in Blue and Gold. It’s not even been a year and we hadn’t come out of his exploits in the MLC for MI New York, and he’s brought that monster form on the big night, completely grabbing the game by its neck and lifting the total to a point where it was safely out of the reach of the Capitals. There’s really something about this iconic jersey of ours that brings out the best in the players. Let’s read what they said after scripting history in Dubai.Robin Singh | MI Emirates Head Coach:&nbsp;Feel a sense of relief. We wanted to win this tournament. We have a lot of players from last year, and people like Mahela and the whole back end team put things together brilliantly. Pooran led very well, led us instinctively at times. I’ve been around with the UAE players, and this format playing with International cricketers will be very helpful for the local players to understand what it takes to succeed at this level.Trent Boult: A big stage and the boys delivered. Everyone dreams of playing in big finals, happy to win. I have enjoyed myself, the wickets are always a challenge. The biggest challenge was moving between venues, but always great to play in a Mumbai shirt. I think this was the best wicket in the tournament, it got better in the second innings. We spoke hard about what it would be like to bowl second, and the spinners delivered for us once again. It was a great total we got, gave us a lot of runs to play with and 200 in a final is always challenging.Kieron Pollard: We came third last year, and this time we wanted to go all the way. We played as favourites and to get through means a lot for me, and the franchise. The guys will be under pressure next year, but we try and build a winning culture in the MI family. The way the guys batted, batting them out of the game in a final was brilliant. (On the fielding) It felt like we had a trampoline in our hands, everything was bouncing out. But fortunately, didn’t cost us tonight. (On Pooran) He has done it brilliantly, he continues to grow as a cricketer and a leader. Long may that continue.R Vinay Kumar | MI Emirates Assistant Coach: Great feeling. The efforts from the boys was outstanding. First time we scored 200 in this tournament, and the way the bowlers bowled was unbelievable. We treated this as any other game, and wanted to give our best. All about giving that 1% extra, that's what captain Pooran mentioned in the team meeting. This trophy is special, first one in my coaching career.Akeal Hosein: The senior guys showed me how to win. I think Fletcher stuck it out, and exploded in the end and the skipper took it on his shoulder to get us a big total.Dwayne Bravo: We needed this, it was a very important tournament for all of us. The leadership of Nicholas Pooran was brilliant, he deserved it. This is special, the first time in this tournament. In the team meeting we kept focusing on being champions. Feels good to be a champion again.

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HABIBI, MEET THE ILT20 2024 CHAMPIONS – MI EMIRATES

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It’s nearly time, the time to ensure our month-long effort culminates in the title. From our bowlers setting the tournament on fire, to the batters stepping up, to the conditions on offer, MI Emirates skipper, Nicholas Pooran, dives into a range of questions at the pre-match press conference in Dubai on Friday (February 16) ahead of the ILT20 2024 final. Excerpts..On the bowlers performing exceptionally wellWe spoke at the beginning of the tournament, that batsmen win you games but bowlers win you tournaments. Nice to see bowlers stepping up in these conditions and putting those performances in. Not just Fazalhaq Farooqi and Trent Boult but Akeal has been brilliant as well. Bravo is doing what he always does. We definitely cherish that and we are happy.&nbsp;On the MI emirates openers, Muhammad Waseem and Kusal PereraThose guys have been fantastic. But in T20 cricket it is all about adjusting to the conditions and the opposition. It is a big challenge where you play one attack today and then a completely different attack the next day.&nbsp;On Kieron Pollard and Dwayne BravoYou can’t buy experience. Not only experience, but that firepower and leadership qualities. We have the opportunity to learn from them. They have the won the most T20 titles, have the most wickets, have played the most matches.&nbsp;On the local UAE talent in the teamWaseem has been brilliant not just this year, but last year as well. It is important to have this tournament for these players. Really happy to see him getting the opportunity to see him do what he does. With the amount of T20 cricket happening in the world at the moment, good opportunity for him to showcase his talent to the world. When it comes to Rohid, we are just really happy for him. Bravo just loves this kid and the energy he brings. Rohid finds himself in a situation where if Boult doesn’t start well, we have to give him some overs. He is just happy to take the ball and run in with energy. That attitude makes a lot of difference. We are just happy for him that he gets this opportunity to express himself and learn at the same time. Just brilliant to have him and see how he goes.&nbsp;Thoughts on the conditions on offerWe expected earlier in the tournament that the pacers will have an impact. We knew there would be grass on the wicket and the ball would seam. Coming from the T10 tournament, we knew the ball would seam. But as the tournament goes along, the wicket slows down. Wrist spin is really important in world cricket and there is no surprise that these guys are having such an impact.&nbsp;His summary of MI Emirates’ campaign so farWe didn’t get off to the best start losing the first game of the tournament. For us it was just about understanding the conditions. In two years we won just one game in Dubai. Playing the last game was a challenge because we knew that if we wanted to qualify for the final, we had to win that game. We have been fantastic in Abu Dhabi and have had a 100% record in Sharjah. We had to come up with tactics. As a group we wanted to win. And to win, we need to step up as players. A lot of our players have been consistent. This is a long tournament. Form can change as well. But the fact of the matter was that we wanted to do well for the team and the franchise. Yes personnel have changed because of the international schedule and there is some chopping and changing, but the message is the same – giving 110% on the field and the results would take care of themselves.&nbsp;

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Nicholas Pooran: “We just want to give 110%, and the results would take care of themselves”

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One sleep. That’s all that stands in the way of us and the silverware. The coveted silverware. The silverware that sums up the culmination of a month-long effort in the desert, an effort where MI Emirates have finished at the top of the league table, playing a super-attractive brand of cricket.&nbsp;It's time for the big one. It’s time for the match that matters. It’s time for the most important 40 overs. It’s time for the three hours that will script history. It’s time for the ILT20 final!This 2024 season has been special. Despite the injuries, despite the hectic international schedule, despite the odds, our boys have found a way to keep winning, finding new ways to step up to the occasion, fighting as a pack. It’s time for that one final hurrah. The Dubai Capitals await, a team we have our own personal scores to settle against, having lost to them twice in the league stage. At the biggest stage, for the biggest prize, let’s rub some more Gold on our Blue!&nbsp;What: MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals&nbsp; When: February 17, 2024 | 6:30pm local time, 8:00pm IST Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai What to expect: A festive atmosphere in the stands, a lovely wicket, lots of noise, and hopefully the trophy coming home at the end of it all! &nbsp;

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THE GRAND FINALE | MIEvDC Preview: History beckons, let’s make it trophy #10 in the #OneFamily

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Two back-to-back losses, a game against the Gulf Giants, a team that knocked us out of the 2023 playoffs at a venue where we haven’t won a single game this season, well, we have our revenge, we have our momentum, and we have our spot in the grand finale booked! Start the party, bring out the DJ hidden inside you, and when you have the time to catch a breath, have a read on how the day went ..&nbsp;Our trio is back, tell the world!&nbsp;Nicky Pooran, Tim David and Akeal Hosein, flew in from Australia this morning, and immediately resumed from where they’d left. At 46/3 in the seventh over, MI Emirates were in a spot of bother, but skipper Pooran counter-attacked his way to a 28-ball 30 in a solid partnership with DJ Bravo. And then Tim came in, built on the platform with a 21-ball 29 to take the team past the 160-run mark. And Akeal, of course, did what he’d been doing all season – pick up powerplay wickets for fun. James Vince fell to an inswinging delivery off the first ball of the innings, and Chris Lynn fell to a delivery that spun sharply to grab the leading-edge of his bat.&nbsp;Polly power on full displayHe came, he stood, he swung, he delivered. For the third game in a row, Kieron Pollard put on a show with a 14-ball 27, giving the innings a much-needed impetus at the death, and along with Tim David, making sure the slow start was more than made up for.&nbsp;Spin it to win itSeven wickets were shared by our three spinners, with Akeal taking the first two, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth taking three in the middle, and then Waqar Salamkheil coming in and closing out the innings. Together, they made sure the Gulf Giants never got any rhythm through their innings. The result: A comfortable 45-run victory, and A PLACE IN THE ILT20 2024 FINAL.&nbsp;Saturday. February 17. Dubai. The jinx is reversed. The momentum is seized. The stage is set. ILT20 trophy, MI Emirates are coming for you!&nbsp;

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MIEvGG report: Our Valentine’s Day gift: A PLACE IN THE ILT20 2024 FINAL!! 

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MI Emirates announced the signing of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Reece Topley and Monank Patel on Tuesday (February 13) ahead of Qualifier 1 of ILT20 season 2.&nbsp;While Topley and Monank have joined the team as replacements for Fazalhaq Farooqi and Corey Anderson respectively, Rajapaksa joins the team as second Wild Card entry for the seasonUSA wicketkeeper batter Monank was also part of the wining MI New York squad in the inaugural season of MLC.&nbsp;The table topper of this season of ILT20, MI Emirates, will play the qualifier against Gulf Giants on 14th of February at the Dubai International Stadium.&nbsp;

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Rajapaksa, Topley and Monank join MI Emirates ahead of Qualifier 1

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It might be the season of love. But this 14th Feb, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, love is probably the last emotion you’d feel. The Gulf Giants – fresh from their four-match winning streak – are on our radar. It’s a revengeful Valentine’s Day. MI Emirates were one among their four. Our last league game wasn’t the finish and the momentum we wanted going into the playoffs, and the Giants are to blame.&nbsp;Let’s not forget though, we are coming in as the table toppers. We’ve been playing a super attractive brand of cricket all season, and have had some thumping wins to show for. Each of our players have taken turns to be the standout player through the league stage, with the others playing the perfect second foil.&nbsp;Our record in Dubai is three losses in three games. The Gulf Giants are the same team that knocked us out of the competition in 2023. It’s time to reverse things around. Bring. It. On.&nbsp;What: MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants When: February 14, 2023 | 6:30pm local time, 8:00pm IST Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai What to expect: Well, it’s raining in Dubai a day before the match. Correction, it’s pouring in Dubai. Expect conditions to be damp, the outfield to be soggy. Never mind, if you happen to be in the stands, make sure you have your helmets on, to save you from the massive tonks.

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Qualifier 1 | MIEvGG Preview: A RED HOT Valentine’s Day in store

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A tale of spin. First our spinners completely strangled the Dubai Capitals’ batting after they got off to a flier, and then their spinners did the same to us. It might not be the perfect end to our campaign, but with the other teams’ results coming in as well, it’s the perfect place to finish at after the league stage – AS TABLE TOPPERS!!Yep, we are the toppersWith six wins in ten games and a net run-rate of +1.469 to go with it, we have booked a spot for the first Qualifier with the Gulf Giants. There aren’t many better ways of spending your Valentine’s Day.&nbsp;Okay, so where did this game go wrong?In the batting, you’d think, because 148, on most days is a total we would have backed our boys to chase down with ease. Sadly, today wasn’t one of those days. We started off well, in fact, getting to 50/1 inside the fifth over. But Haider Ali, with a spell of 3/16, along with the mystery of Zahir Khan and the control of Sikandar Raza, triggered a mini collapse, and the batting just couldn’t get going from there, succumbing to a 19-run defeat.&nbsp;Our spinner claw back in style&nbsp;Tom Banton and Max Holden got the Dubai Capitals off to 88 in nine overs. But once Waqar Salamkheil trapped Holden for 51, Vijayakahnth Viyaskanth and Dan Mousley too sprang into action, drying up the runs, picking up regular wickets, and bundling the Capitals out for 147.&nbsp;Right then, the stage is set. The date is set. The occasion is set. We’re officially into the business end, and our exploits in the league stage now means that we have an extra chance of making it to the final. But we’re going to try our absolute best to seal it come Wednesday (February 14). We know to play the big stage, and we know how to get back on the winning horse come the playoffs..&nbsp;

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MIEvDC Report: A tough outing, but MI Emirates confirmed as points table toppers

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One final league game before we get down to serious business. And we’re set to finish against the Dubai Capitals, the same team we started this season of ILT20 against. It wasn’t a pleasant game for the MI Emirates, and was the only game we lost by a big margin. There’s a lot to avenge. We might have qualified for the playoffs, but there’s plenty to play for. Nailing a top two spot! Regaining some momentum we lost in the previous game!&nbsp;Skipper Polly is here. After the last game where he so very nearly carried us over the line, let’s do it for him. He’s been a certified Mumbai Indians #OneFamily legend over the last 15 years, and just his mere presence is going to lift the younger boys in the side. Oh, and don’t forget that shrewd cricketing brain of his. With Nicholas Pooran, Tim David, Akeal Hosein and Fazalhaq Farooqi off for national duty, it’s the perfect opportunity for someone new to turn match-winner!&nbsp;What: MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals&nbsp;When: February 10, 2024 | 6:30pm local time, 8:00pm ISTWhere: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu DhabiWhat to expect: A resurgence. We’re back in our home, our fortress, and we are all set to go back to being that unstoppable force as we storm into the playoffs.&nbsp;

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