Predicted playing XI of MI Emirates for UAE T20 League

The owners of Mumbai Indians also own the Emirates franchise in the UAE T20 League or the International League T20. Named the MI Emirates, the owners recently announced the list of players whom they have signed. In this article, we take a look at the predicted playing XI of MI Emirates for the UAE T20 League.

As per the rules of the league, a maximum of nine overseas players would be allowed in a playing XI. One player has to be from the UAE and a cricketer from an associate nation also has to be included. The below XI has been framed according to the rules. If there is a change in the rules, the composition of the below XI would undergo modifications.

Openers: Will Smeed and a UAE cricketer

Will Smeed from England was one of the acquisitions for the MI Emirates for the competition. He recently scored a century in ECB's Hundred. The destructive opener is likely to open the innings and could have a partner at the top from the UAE. This could, of course, change based on how the management sees the squad.

Middle-Order: Najibullah Zadran and Nicholas Pooran (WK)

Afghanistan's Zadran and West Indies' Pooran are two experienced batters who have been hired for the squad. Both these players will have an important role to play in the middle order. Their performance could decide the fate of the franchise in the first edition of the competition. Especially Pooran will be the player who can be looked forward to.

All-Rounders: Bas de Leede, Kieron Pollard (C) and Dwayne Bravo

It will be a strong all-rounder's department in the predicted playing XI of MI Emirates for the UAE T20 League. Hailing from the Netherlands, Bas de Leede could come into the XI in the associate nation quota. He is a batting all-rounder and will fit into the composition of the squad. Much of the prospects of MI Emirates will depend on the experienced duo of Pollard and Bravo. They might have to contribute to both departments of the game. Bravo usually plays at No.8 in most of the T20 teams. However, he will have to turn up at No.7 keeping in mind the resources on the table.

Bowlers: Trent Boult, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Imran Tahir and Zahir Khan

Trent Boult will lead the bowling attack in the predicted playing XI of MI Emirates for the UAE T20 League. The Kiwi detached himself from the central contract of New Zealand. He will be vital to the squad. Afghanistan's Farooqi and Zahir Khan will also lend strength to this bowling attack. Experienced Imran Tahir has signed up for the UAE T20 League ahead of the CSA T20 League. This team will benefit a lot from his experience.