Predicted playing XI of the Gulf Giants for the UAE T20 League

Owned by the Adani Group, Gulf Giants recently made the announcement regarding the list of players whom they have signed. Andy Flower, who has the distinction of winning multiple T20 leagues, will be the Head Coach of this squad. On that note, in this article, we predict the playing XI of the Gulf Giants for the UAE T20 League.

According to the rules of the league, a maximum of 9 foreign players would be permitted in the playing XI. While one cricketer has to be from the UAE, a player from an associate nation also has to be included. The UAE players will be added to the squads in the draft window. The XI has been formulated according to these rules. If there is a change in the rules, the construction of the below XI would be altered.

Openers: Chris Lynn and Tom Banton (WK)

It will be a cracking opening pair for this playing XI of the Gulf Giants for the UAE T20 League. Chris Lynn has signed up for the UAE T20 League and is likely to miss the Big Bash League. He would form a very important part of this XI while England's Tom Banton will be crucial to the team's plans. Banton will also keep wickets for this squad. Both these players must deliver for the franchise to meet success.

Middle-Order: James Vince, Ollie Pope and Shimron Hetmyer

James Vince recently won the T20 Blast as a skipper. He is well known for his abilities with the bat. He is also the team's best option to skipper the side unless the Head Coach has other ideas. Ollie Pope is not known much as a T20 cricketer but he is a better bet compared to the other options. Hetmyer will be the most important member of the batting unit. His performance will decide the fate of the franchise. 

All-Rounders: David Wiese and Dominic Drakes

David Wiese will headline the all-rounder's department for playing XI of the Gulf Giants for the UAE T20 League. He comes in as the mandatory inclusion in the XI from the associate nations. It is a top signing by the franchise. Dominic Drakes is more of a bowler who can strike a few big hits. His batting skills will be necessary for the franchise.

Bowlers: UAE cricketer, Chris Jordan, Richard Gleeson and Qais Ahmed

The Gulf Giants will need to hire a UAE bowler for the best balance of the XI. A spinner will be the most preferred addition. The English pair of Chris Jordan and Richard Gleeson will form the core of the pace attack while Qais Ahmed will be the lead spinner.