ILT20 2023: Sunil Narine Named Captain of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine has been named captain of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for the inaugural International League T20 (ILT20). 

The 34-year-old expressed his excitement at taking up a “new challenge” in the form of captaincy. He is looking forward to the proper functioning of the entire team.

Here’s what Narine said:  

“I am very excited to take up the role of captain of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. It is a new challenge because now I have to think about the functioning of our whole team, rather than just focus on my game or my four overs.”

“It is something I am really looking forward to. I have grown on Knight Riders, and Knight Riders have grown on me, so it is like a family. Everywhere they have a team, I love being a part of it. I have played a lot of cricket in the UAE, so I know the conditions pretty well.”

Narine also opened up on the strength of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, stating they have got plenty of experienced players at their disposal and he is eager to take captaincy ideas and information from them.

“If you look at the ADKR squad, it is a familiar setup and not a brand new XI that I have to get used to. So that gives me great confidence, knowing the strength of my players.”

“There are a lot of senior guys in the team as well, who I can bounce ideas and information off. It is going to be a lot of fun, it has been a long journey with the Knight Riders family, and I hope it is a never-ending one.” 

Sunil Narine has been an integral part of Shahrukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. He has so far picked up 152 wickets from 142 matches, with the best being recorded on 5/19. 

The inaugural edition of ILT20 is set to be played on January 13, 2023, with the final of the tournament slated to be played on February 12. The tournament opener will be played between Dubai Capitals and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.