Jonathan Trott said the ILT20 as a key force behind the growth of cricket in the UAE. He also highlighted the development tournament, where the Giants reached the semifinals, applauding the rising talent on display and the tournament’s contribution to lifting standards across the board.

“This is my first year coaching with the Gulf Giants, and I’m really excited about it. It’s great to see the local and homegrown talent on display. With the auction approaching, these are exciting times, and there’s a lot for us to get right. I’m very pleased with the group we have in our development squad, who have been performing well. It’s also important to keep an eye on what the other teams are doing and the players they’re considering ahead of the auction,” Trott said.

As the UAE secured qualification for the Asia Cup after a decade, Trott noted that the ILT20 has already started to show its benefits.

“I’m never surprised by the standard of cricket and the calibre of players here. The UAE team is already strong, and I believe they’re on track to be the next side to make a real mark internationally. They have the facilities, the passion for the game, and plenty of talent to draw from. It’s a good recipe for success.”